Heuchera Lime Marmalade: A Zesty Delight
Alum Root Lime Marmalade

Position
- Partial shade to full shade
- Protected from harsh afternoon sun
- Tolerates morning sun
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -25°C (-13°F)
- Best growth between 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Soil Type
- Well-draining, humus-rich soil
- Loamy or sandy loam preferred
- Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions
Soil PH
- Neutral to slightly acidic
- Best between pH 6.0-7.0
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Foliage mound: 25-30cm (10-12 inches)
- Flower stems: up to 45cm (18 inches)
Seasons of Interest
- Evergreen foliage is of interest all year
- Lime-green to chartreuse leaves maintain colour through seasons
- Small white flowers appear May-July
- No autumn colour change, maintains lime foliage
Additional Notes
- Lift and divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigour
- Remove damaged leaves in early spring
- Can be grown in containers
- May need winter protection in exposed sites
- Excellent companion for ferns and hostas
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Good for underplanting shrubs
- Remove flower stems after blooming to focus energy on foliage
- Benefits from mulching in spring
Heuchera Lime Marmalade: The Vibrant Coral Bells Flower for Your Garden
Heuchera Lime Marmalade, commonly known as coral bells, is a standout perennial known for its eye-catching lime green foliage throughout the growing season. This variety adds a vibrant splash of colour to garden beds, borders, and containers, especially in partially shaded spots that need a lift. Its deeply ruffled leaves and mounding habit provide lasting texture and brightness, even when flowers have faded. As a low-maintenance and hardy perennial, ‘Lime Marmalade’ is ideal for gardeners looking for year-round interest and easy care.
In this article, you’ll find expert tips on how to grow and care for Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’, from choosing the correct planting location to seasonal maintenance. Learn why this plant is a garden favourite for adding contrast, colour, and resilience to shady or dappled-light areas. Whether refreshing a tired border or designing a new container display, this vivid coral bells cultivar is a must-have in any garden design scheme.
What are Heuchera Lime Marmalade Coral Bells?
Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ is a vigorous perennial, prized for its bright lime green foliage. The leaves have a heavily ruffled and frilled texture, adding visual interest to the garden. These plants form a neat, semi-evergreen mound, reaching a height and spreading around 45cm. This makes them ideal as ground cover. They’re also excellent for containers or as edging plants.
In late spring and early summer, the plants bear panicles of small, bell-shaped, creamy white flowers. The flowers rise on slender stems, well above the foliage. While the flowers add a delicate touch, the real beauty lies in the striking foliage. Heuchera’s foliage retains its colour throughout the growing season, providing a constant splash of colour in your garden.
Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ is a clump-forming perennial, which means it spreads slowly, forming dense clumps over time. This makes it very suitable for ground cover. It’s a fantastic way to add texture and colour to any area. Consider planting these versatile plants in groups for a greater impact.
How to Plant Heuchera Lime Marmalade?
Spring is the best time to plant your Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’. Choose a spot in your garden with partial or even full shade, as full sun can scorch the delicate leaves. They thrive in fertile soil rich in organic matter. Ensure your soil is well-drained. Avoid planting in poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot.
Prepare the planting area. Remove any weeds or competing plants. Improve the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container, taking care not to damage the roots. Plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot. Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil around the plant’s crown. Water thoroughly after planting.
The best soil pH for Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ is neutral. While it tolerates slightly acidic conditions, it doesn’t do well in alkaline soils. The right soil is essential for successful growth and vibrant foliage. Proper planting will help your plants thrive.
Heuchera Lime Marmalade Care: Watering and Feeding
Watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water once a week, depending on rainfall and weather conditions. Feel the soil—water when the top few inches are dry.
Feeding is less crucial. However, a slow-release fertiliser in spring can promote lush growth. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to weak growth. If your soil is already fertile, additional feeding is usually unnecessary.
During the growing season, deadheading promotes further flowering and keeps the plant looking tidy. Deadheading also reduces the chance of the plant setting seed, which can sap its energy.
Heuchera Lime Marmalade Care: Maintenance and Pruning
These are low-maintenance plants. However, some tasks will help them look their best. You may wish to occasionally remove any damaged or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth in your evergreen plants. This will improve their overall appearance.
As the plant grows, you might need to trim overly vigorous stems, which will help maintain its shape and size.
Apply mulch in autumn, after the ground freezes, to protect the roots from winter frosts. Mulch also helps retain moisture. A thick layer helps during the colder months.
How Often Should You Divide Heuchera Lime Marmalade?
Dividing clumps every 3-4 years encourages vigorous growth and prevents overcrowding. The best time to do this is in spring. Carefully lift and divide the clump, ensuring each new section has healthy roots. Replant the divisions and water them well. Over time, clumps can become overcrowded and reduce flowering. This can also impact the overall health of the plants.
Heuchera Lime Marmalade and Companion Plants
Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ complements many other plants. Consider pairing it with plants that have contrasting colours and textures. For example, hydrangea, with its large showy flowers, would offer a lovely contrast. This low-growing ground cover also looks effective when planted amongst taller shrubs. Other suggestions could include Iris. These plants appreciate similar growing conditions.
Plant them with other shade-loving plants for a complete, rich planting design. Their vibrant lime green foliage will brighten up the gloomier corners of your garden and add a dash of colour to the woodland garden. You could even try planting them around the edge of a patio.

Where to Buy Heuchera Lime Marmalade?
Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ is widely available and can be purchased from reputable sources, including local garden centres, specialist nurseries, and trusted online retailers. Visiting a garden centre allows you to inspect the plants individually, ensuring you select healthy specimens with strong root systems and vibrant foliage. Many nurseries also offer helpful advice on growing Heucheras successfully and can suggest companion plants that will enhance your garden’s overall design.
Heuchera Lime Marmalade: Pest and Disease
Heuchera Lime Marmalade is generally pest—and disease-free. However, in moist conditions, it can encounter problems with slugs and snails. Please use an organic slug killer or scatter crushed eggshells as a deterrent. Also, take preventative measures to check and remove pests regularly to maintain healthy evergreen plants.
You can also reduce the dampness around your plant. Good air circulation can also help prevent problems. Healthy plants are naturally more resistant to disease.
Heuchera Lime Marmalade: Is It Right for My Garden?
Consider your garden’s conditions. Ask yourself whether you have suitable shade, well-drained soil, and a planting space appropriate for this plant’s height and spread. Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ adds colour and texture throughout the growing season. It’s also low maintenance, requiring minimal effort from you.
This is an excellent choice if you need a long-lasting, low-maintenance plant for a shady area. It works well as groundcover, edging, or in containers. Its tolerance for partial shade and even full shade makes it very versatile.
From Darren’s Patch
Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ has been an absolute star in my garden over the years. I often tuck it into those tricky shaded corners where other plants struggle, and it never fails to bring a zing of fresh colour with its glowing lime leaves. I love how it lifts a dull spot instantly, especially in early spring when everything else still feels sleepy. It also pairs beautifully with dark-leaved plants and adds a brightness that lasts well into autumn. I’ve got a few clumps edging my woodland path, and they look great all year round with very little fuss. A light mulch in autumn and a tidy-up in spring is all it needs. Lime Marmalade is a winner in my book if you’re after something reliable, eye-catching, and easy to care for.
Key Points to Remember:
- Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ coral bells boast vibrant lime green foliage throughout the year
- Heucheras prefer partial shade or full shade and well-drained soil
- Regular watering and occasional feeding will encourage vigorous growth
- These perennials are low maintenance, requiring minimal care
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years to encourage healthy growth
- They make excellent groundcover, edging plants, and additions to containers
- Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ is a colourful addition to any shade garden
- Buy your Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ from a reputable nursery, garden centre, or online.
Heuchera Lime Marmalade is a standout perennial that brings reliable colour, texture, and structure to shaded parts of the garden. With its vibrant lime foliage, low-maintenance nature, and versatility in borders, containers, and ground cover schemes, it’s easy to see why it’s such a favourite among gardeners. Whether you want to brighten a gloomy corner or add contrast to mixed planting schemes, this hardy coral bells variety delivers lasting visual impact with minimal effort. Add a few clumps to your garden, and you’ll enjoy year-round interest and dependable performance season after season.
Check out the RHS article here.
If you like this one, you’ll love Heuchera Caramel. Click here to explore it.
For more information on perennials for your garden, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Coral Bells Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’?
A: It’s a vibrant perennial plant known for its stunning bright green foliage and ruffled and lobed leaves, which add colour to any garden. This herbaceous beauty is semi-evergreen, so it keeps some of its leaves even in winter!
Q: How do I care for my Coral Bells, Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’?
A: To keep your Heuchera thriving, plant it in well-drained clay or sandy soil. Use well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. It thrives best in dappled shade. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells!
Q: When is the best time to plant Coral Bells, Heuchera?
A: The ideal time to plant Coral Bells is in spring. This gives them a good start for spring growth and helps them settle in before the hotter summer months.
Q: How tall does Coral Bells, Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ grow?
A: Your Coral Bells should reach around 45cm in height. This compact perennial is perfect for adding layers to your flower beds!
Q: Will Coral Bells attract pollinators?
A: Absolutely! The small white flowers that bloom in summer are a hit with pollinators, so planting Coral Bells can help support those friendly bees and butterflies in your garden.
Q: Can I buy Coral Bells Heuchera at my local nursery?
A: Most local nurseries stock Coral Bells, Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’, especially during the planting season. They are also available online at Amazon.
Q: What kind of soil do Coral Bells prefer?
A: Coral Bells thrive in well-drained soil. They can adapt to different types, including clay or sandy soils, as long as there’s good drainage to avoid soggy roots!
Q: Are Coral Bells, Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’, suitable for shady areas?
A: Yes! These beauties thrive in shade, making them perfect for those gloomy days in your garden where other plants might struggle.
Q: What should I do if my Heuchera loses its leaves in winter?
A: Don’t worry too much if your Coral Bells lose a few leaves in winter; it’s normal for a semi-evergreen perennial. Ensure it gets the proper care in spring and it’ll bounce back with fresh growth!
Q: How can I make my Coral Bells more colourful?
A: To enhance the colour of your Coral Bells, ensure they get enough light without direct sun exposure, and keep the soil healthy with organic matter. This will help bring out those vibrant hues!