How to Grow Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls'

Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls'

Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls'

flower

Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls' is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its distinctive silver-gray leaves with deep purple undersides and veining. The plant produces delicate pink to coral-colored flower spikes on thin stems above the foliage in spring and early summer. It's a low-maintenance perennial that serves as an excellent ground cover or border plant in shade gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to shade; 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily (afternoon shade essential in hot climates to preserve leaf color)

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid leaf spot diseases. Drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable for foliage perennials; reaches mature size in 2-3 growing seasons

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Planting depth: Plant crown at soil surface level; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, humus-rich loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss aged bark mulch

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, though prefers cooler climates in zone 8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Establishment

First 4-6 weeks

Small rosettes of silver-gray foliage with purple undersides emerging from the ground

Keep soil consistently moist during the first season. Apply mulch around the base (not touching the crown) to maintain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer (6-8 weeks)

Foliage expands into a dense mound of ornamental leaves 12-18 inches tall with intensifying color variation

Water regularly and deadhead any flower spikes if you want to focus energy on foliage production. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (April-June depending on zone)

Delicate coral to pink flower spikes rise 6-8 inches above the foliage on thin stems

Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer. Allow some flowers to remain for visual interest, or deadhead to redirect energy back to foliage.

Maturity & Dormancy

Late summer through winter

Plant reaches full size with well-developed mounding form. In fall and winter, foliage colors may deepen or mute depending on temperature and light

Cut back dead foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Divide plants every 3-4 years to rejuvenate and maintain vigor. Apply winter mulch in colder zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Astilbe Hellebore Brunnera Carex Heuchera (other varieties) Fern (shade varieties) Tiarella Sedge Epimedium

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading groundcovers Black walnut trees (juglone sensitivity)

Common Pests

Handpick adults at night; use beneficial nematodes in soil; apply neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticides if infestation is severe
and
Remove debris and improve air circulation; use beer traps, copper barriers, or hand-removal; organic slug baits containing iron phosphate are safe options
Ensure adequate air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if needed; choose shaded locations
Water at soil level only; remove affected leaves; improve drainage; apply copper fungicide in severe cases; avoid overhead watering

Uses

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Ornamental foliage & garden design

Household

The striking silver-gray leaves with purple veining make this plant an excellent choice for adding textural contrast and color to shade gardens, borders, and containers. It pairs beautifully with darker-leaved plants and lighter green foliage to create dynamic garden compositions. [source]

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Fresh flower and foliage arrangements

Craft

The delicate coral flower spikes and attractive foliage can be cut for fresh arrangements, adding unique texture and color to indoor displays. Both flowers and leaves hold up reasonably well in water. [source]

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Shade garden groundcover

Household

As a compact, mounding perennial, 'Silver Scrolls' serves as an excellent low-maintenance groundcover for shaded areas, helping to suppress weeds while adding visual interest with its distinctive foliage color. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The coral-pink flower spikes attract hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. [source]

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Container gardening

Household

The compact size and attractive foliage make 'Silver Scrolls' ideal for shade containers, mixed planters, and decorative pots, allowing gardeners to enjoy the plant in patios, decks, and entryways. [source]

Harvest Tips

Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls' is grown as an ornamental foliage plant rather than for harvest. Enjoy the foliage year-round and allow the delicate flowers to bloom for visual interest. Leaves can be cut for fresh arrangements if desired. Divide plants in early spring or fall when they become overcrowded (every 3-4 years) to maintain vigor and replant sections elsewhere.

Fun Facts

🌱 Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls' was bred and introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries, a breeder famous for creating hundreds of spectacular Heuchera varieties with stunning foliage colors ranging from lime green to deep burgundy.
🌱 The common name 'Coral Bells' comes from the bell-shaped coral or pink flowers; the plant is also called Alumroot because Native Americans historically used roots and foliage of related species for medicinal purposes.
🌱 The distinctive silver leaves contain naturally occurring pigments called anthocyanins (responsible for the purple undersides), which intensify in cooler temperatures and increase shade tolerance compared to green-leaved varieties.

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