Coral Bells Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' (PBR)
ABOUT
Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls', commonly known as Coral Bells, exhibits a unique and ornamental appearance that makes it popular in gardens and landscapes. The foliage of this eye-catching variety is particularly distinctive, with leaves boasting a rich tapestry of colors. Each leaf is a work of art, with deep maroon to purple hues overlaid with a striking silver-metallic sheen, resembling the scrollwork of ornate silver filigree. The leaves are rounded, with gentle undulations and lobed edges, creating a textural effect that is both delicate and robust. In contrast to the dramatic foliage, the flowers of Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls' are more subdued. They appear on slender, upright stems that rise above the foliage and display dainty bell-shaped blossoms. These flowers are typically a soft pink or white, adding a whimsical touch to the plant's overall appearance. The flowering stems create a light, airy feel, which can add a subtle vertical accent to the garden. Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls' is not only prized for its attractiveness but also for its year-round interest, as the leaves often persist through the winter, providing a continuous display of color. The combination of ornamental foliage and charming flowers makes it versatile, suitable for border fronts, rock gardens, and as a ground cover, as well as being an excellent choice for container planting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coral Bells, Alumroot.
Common names
Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Coral Bells is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that Coral Bells, including the variety 'Silver Scrolls', causes any significant toxicity when touched or ingested. Therefore, accidental ingestion of this plant should not cause poisoning or severe symptoms in humans.
To pets
Coral Bells is equally safe for pets as it is for humans, being generally recognized as non-toxic to animals. This means that ingestion of the 'Silver Scrolls' variety should not be harmful to pets such as dogs and cats, and it should not cause poisoning or serious health issues. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in large quantities could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the plant material's roughage.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Maroon
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage: Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' features silvery-purple leaves that add a unique color and texture to a garden throughout the growing season.
- Long-lasting color: The leaves hold their color from spring to fall, offering extended visual interest.
- Low maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-efficient gardens.
- Pest resistance: Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' is not particularly prone to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Shade tolerance: It can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, including shaded areas where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Seasonal blooms: Produces small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems that can attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Versatile use: Suitable for borders, groundcover, or container gardening, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Winter interest: Some foliage may persist in mild winters, providing color and texture even in the colder months.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some garden plants, Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' is not known to be invasive, so it will stay where you plant it.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The marbled leaves of Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' can serve as a muse for artists and designers, influencing patterns in textiles, paintings, and other decorative arts.
- Photography subject: The unique foliage of this Heuchera offers a striking subject for macro photography, showcasing the intricate details and colors.
- Living mulch: Planted closely together, Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' can act as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture in garden beds.
- Border edging: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for creating tidy border edges along pathways and garden beds, providing structure and color.
- Culinary garnish: While not a common use, the leaves can sometimes be used as a non-toxic garnish to add visual appeal to dishes in edible landscaping.
- Educational tool: Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant breeding and the development of plant cultivars with specific traits.
- Vivariums: This Heuchera can be used in a vivarium setup, where its low maintenance and attractive foliage enhance the habitat for reptiles and amphibians.
- Themed gardens: Its silver foliage makes it a perfect addition to a moon garden or a garden with a silver-and-purple color scheme.
- Container accents: It serves as an excellent accent plant in mixed containers, providing year-round interest with its evergreen leaves.
- Seasonal crafts: Leaves of the Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' can be pressed and used in craft projects like homemade greeting cards or bookmarks, adding a natural and artistic touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Persistence: Heucheras, commonly known as Coral Bells, often symbolize longevity due to their ability to thrive in a variety of climates and maintain their foliage year-round.
- Varied Beauty: The 'Silver Scrolls' variety, with its unique silver-veined leaves, highlights the beauty that comes with variety and individuality.
- Protection: Coral Bells are believed to possess protective qualities, often planted to guard against negative influences and to promote a safe and sacred space.
WaterThe Coral Bells should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season, which is spring through fall. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this may mean watering once every few days to once a week, with approximately one inch of water each time. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy periods, less water is required. During winter, reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but be careful not to let it dry out completely. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness and water accordingly.
LightCoral Bells thrives in partial shade conditions where it can receive some morning sunlight but is protected from the intense heat of the midday and afternoon sun. It's ideal to place them in a spot that offers filtered sunlight beneath the canopy of larger plants or trees. However, they can also adapt to full sun in cooler climates as long as they are kept adequately watered to prevent scorching of their leaves.
TemperatureCoral Bells prefer moderate temperatures and will grow most vigorously when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 25 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged periods of freezing weather, which can damage the foliage and roots. The maximum temperature for Coral Bells should not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as excessive heat can stress the plant.
PruningCoral Bells should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to encourage a tidy growth habit. This is best done in early spring before new growth begins and again in the fall to clean up any spent leaves and flowers. Pruning encourages air circulation, which helps prevent disease, and keeps the plant looking its best throughout the year. Deadheading the spent flower stalks after blooming can also stimulate additional flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Bells prefer well-draining soil with a mixture of peat, compost, perlite, and either sand or fine bark. The ideal soil pH for Coral Bells is between 6.0 to 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral. Ensuring the soil has good organic content will help in retaining the right moisture balance.
RepottingCoral Bells typically need repotting every 3 to 4 years, or when they outgrow their current container. Spring is the best time to repot to allow the plant to establish itself during the growing season.
Humidity & MistingCoral Bells thrive in average room humidity conditions. High humidity is not necessary, but maintaining moderate humidity will promote healthy foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright light, well-draining soil, consistent watering.
Outdoor
Part shade, protect from hot sun, mulch soil surface.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera 'Silver Scrolls', commonly known as Coral Bells, begins its life cycle with seed germination in favorable conditions of warm temperatures and moist soil. The young seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves at ground-level, with the distinct silver-maroon foliage characteristic of 'Silver Scrolls'. Throughout the growing season, the plant undergoes vegetative growth, producing more leaves and increasing its root system. In late spring to early summer, Coral Bells produce erect, slender stems that bear small bell-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators and sometimes leading to seed production if pollinated. After flowering, the plant may enter a period of dormancy in winter, reducing above-ground activity, but will resume growth from the rootstock as temperatures warm. With appropriate care, Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' can be a perennial, living several years and going through these cycles annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The popular Coral Bells 'Silver Scrolls' is typically propagated through division, which is best done in early spring or fall. For this method, the plant should be gently lifted from the ground and the root ball should be carefully split into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. These individual clumps are then replanted in a well-prepared soil mix, ensuring that they are planted at the same depth they were originally growing. The divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots. This technique allows for a relatively quick increase in the number of plants and ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent in terms of characteristics since they are genetically identical.
