Images Depict Mature Plants
Citronelle Heuchera
Heuchera villosa 'Citronelle' Plant Patent #17934
Citronelle Heuchera is one of the easiest ways to brighten a shady bed without using flowers as the main show. The lime-yellow foliage brings instant contrast, especially when planted near dark heucheras, blue hostas, ferns, and silver brunnera. I like it along shaded paths or in containers where the color can be seen up close. It is also a smart choice where deer make hostas harder to grow, as long as you keep it out of harsh afternoon sun.
MEMORIAL DAY SALE 20% OFF
Use Code MEMORIALDAY20 at Checkout!
📦 Free shipping on orders over $99.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:Recommended Add-Ons
Lime-Yellow Coral Bells for Bright Shade Garden Color
Glowing Chartreuse Foliage for Shade.
Citronelle Heuchera is a bright coral bells variety grown for its glowing chartreuse-yellow foliage and compact clumping habit. The scalloped leaves bring a highlighter-bright effect to shaded beds, woodland gardens, container plantings, and border edges. Its lime-green to yellow foliage is especially useful for lighting up darker areas where deep green shade plants can disappear.
Silvery Undersides and Soft Leaf Texture.
The foliage has a soft, textured look with bright yellow-green leaf tops and silvery undersides that add extra interest when the leaves move in the breeze. Citronelle was selected from Heuchera ‘Caramel’, and it brings that same sturdy garden habit into a brighter, more luminous color range. Use it where contrast matters—near dark purple heucheras, blue hostas, green ferns, burgundy foliage, or silver-leaved brunnera.
Ivory-White Flowers Above the Foliage.
In late summer into fall, Citronelle Heuchera produces slender sprays of ivory-white flowers above the foliage. The flowers add a light, airy texture and may attract butterflies and other pollinators. While this plant is primarily grown for its brilliant foliage, the white blooms provide a graceful seasonal accent without overwhelming the plant’s clean chartreuse color.
Compact, Versatile, and Easy to Design With.
Citronelle Heuchera works beautifully as an edging perennial, container filler, woodland garden accent, shaded rock garden plant, groundcover-style massing plant, or front-of-border color feature. It stays compact enough to tuck along paths and patios while still offering a strong visual impact. Plant it in groups for a ribbon of bright color, or mix it with darker foliage plants for bold contrast.
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, and Low Maintenance.
Citronelle Heuchera is a practical choice where deer and rabbits are common because it is generally avoided by browsing animals. It is also evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate, offering extended seasonal interest in milder regions. Protect it from hot afternoon sun, avoid soggy soil, remove winter-damaged leaves in spring, and divide mature clumps if the crown becomes woody or the center begins to thin.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 10 to 23 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 16 to 18 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Part shade to full shade; protect from hot afternoon sun |
| Soil | Average to fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil; adaptable to normal or sandy soils |
| Water Requirements: | Low to average once established; keep evenly moist during establishment and dry spells |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late summer into fall; ivory-white to white flowers |
| Foliage | Glowing chartreuse-yellow to lime-green scalloped leaves with silvery undersides |
| Ornamental Features | Bright yellow-green foliage, silvery leaf undersides, ivory-white flowers, compact mound, winter interest in mild climates |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers may attract butterflies and other pollinators |
| Resistance | Deer resistant, rabbit resistant, low maintenance, shade tolerant |
| Landscape Uses | Shade borders, woodland gardens, containers, edging, mass plantings, rock gardens, groundcover-style plantings, underplanting shrubs and trees |
How to Care for Citronelle Heuchera
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Citronelle Heuchera plant for years to come!
-v1778858195938.png?92x91){kind=icon}
How should I plant Citronelle Heuchera?
Plant Citronelle Heuchera in part shade to full shade where the soil is well drained and improved with organic matter. This bright-leaved coral bells should be protected from hot afternoon sun, especially in warm climates, because intense sun can scorch or fade the chartreuse foliage. Morning sun or filtered light is usually acceptable when soil moisture is consistent. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the container. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Add a light mulch layer around the plant to conserve moisture and reduce winter heaving, keeping mulch slightly pulled back from the crown.
-v1778858222765.png?89x84){kind=icon}
How often should I water Citronelle Heuchera after planting?
Water Citronelle Heuchera deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish. During the first growing season, water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Consistent moisture helps the plant maintain strong foliage color and reduces stress during hot or dry periods. Once established, Citronelle Heuchera has low to average water needs and can handle short dry periods better than soggy soil. Plants in containers or brighter light may need more frequent watering. Always allow excess water to drain so the crown does not sit in wet soil.
-v1778858261839.png?90x89){kind=icon}
When should I fertilize Citronelle Heuchera?
Fertilize Citronelle Heuchera in spring as new growth begins. A light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer, compost, or an organic perennial fertilizer is usually enough to support healthy foliage and flowers. Avoid heavy feeding, especially late in the season. Too much fertilizer can encourage soft growth, while good drainage, organic matter, and proper shade placement are more important for long-term heuchera performance.
When and how should I prune Citronelle Heuchera?
Remove spent flower stems after bloom if you prefer a tidy look or want the plant to focus energy on foliage. Trim away any damaged or tired leaves as needed during the growing season. In spring, remove winter-burned or tattered foliage as fresh growth begins. Avoid cutting the entire plant back hard in fall, especially in colder climates, because the foliage can help protect the crown through winter. Divide mature clumps every few years if the center thins, the crown becomes woody, or the plant loses vigor.
