Coral bells 'Lime Marmalade' in October: monthly care

Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' thrives in partial shade or full sun, though in hotter gardens a spot with afternoon shade will prevent the chartreuse foliage from scorching. Choose a position with good drainage; heucheras dislike sitting in waterlogged soil, especially over winter. The plant tolerates both loam and sandy soil, making it adaptable to most garden conditions, but avoid heavy clay unless you improve it first with grit and organic matter. Plant in March, April or May for spring establishment, or in September and October for autumn planting. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown at soil level—planting too deep encourages rot. Space plants 35 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 30–45 cm. If you're planting several for ground cover or edging, this spacing will give a full, woven effect within a season or two. Before planting, fork over the soil and work in a handful of well-rotted compost or leaf mould to improve structure and moisture retention. After planting, firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly to settle them in. Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base—composted bark or leaf mould works well—but keep it clear of the crown itself to prevent rot. Water regularly for the first few weeks until the plant is established, especially if planting in spring or during dry spells. Autumn-planted heucheras need less attention but should still be kept lightly moist until the roots take hold.