Troubleshooting
Heuchera 'Key Lime Pie' problems — and how to fix them
Heuchera 'Key Lime Pie' (Heuchera 'Key Lime Pie') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown rot
The main killer of Heucheras; always plant with the crown at or just above soil level and ensure drainage is excellent.
Vine weevil
Adult weevils notch leaf margins while larvae destroy roots; treat soil with entomopathogenic nematodes in late summer.
Powdery mildew
White surface growth appears in warm, humid weather with poor air circulation; improve spacing and apply a diluted bicarbonate spray early.
Foliar nematodes
Water-soaked then brown angular patches on leaves; remove affected foliage promptly and avoid overhead watering.
Winter heaving
Repeated freezing and thawing can lift the shallow crown; firm back down after frost and apply a light gravel or bark mulch around the base.
Prevent heuchera 'key lime pie' problems before they start
Most heuchera 'key lime pie' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Heuchera 'Key Lime Pie' problems — FAQ
Why is my heuchera 'key lime pie' crown rot?
The main killer of Heucheras; always plant with the crown at or just above soil level and ensure drainage is excellent.
Why is my heuchera 'key lime pie' vine weevil?
Adult weevils notch leaf margins while larvae destroy roots; treat soil with entomopathogenic nematodes in late summer.
Why is my heuchera 'key lime pie' powdery mildew?
White surface growth appears in warm, humid weather with poor air circulation; improve spacing and apply a diluted bicarbonate spray early.
Why is my heuchera 'key lime pie' foliar nematodes?
Water-soaked then brown angular patches on leaves; remove affected foliage promptly and avoid overhead watering.
Why is my heuchera 'key lime pie' winter heaving?
Repeated freezing and thawing can lift the shallow crown; firm back down after frost and apply a light gravel or bark mulch around the base.