Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ (Coral Bells)

Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ (Coral Bells) – Metallic Silver Foliage for Shade and Containers

Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’, commonly called Silver Scrolls coral bells or Silver Scrolls alumroot, is a compact, clump-forming perennial grown for its metallic silver leaves, dark scroll-like veining, burgundy-maroon undersides, and airy sprays of pale flowers. It is one of those foliage plants that can make a shade garden look designed even before the flowers appear. The leaves catch low light beautifully, making it especially valuable along paths, in containers, under shrubs, and at the front of mixed borders.

This coral bells cultivar has a polished, almost pewter finish. Young spring leaves may emerge with pinkish brown or burgundy tones, then mature to silver, gray, and charcoal with dark purple to black veining. In late spring to early summer, pink buds open to small white or pinkish white flowers on slender stems above the foliage. The flowers are charming, but the foliage is the main event.

Use Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ where you need year-round texture, cool color, and contrast. It works in part shade, full shade, woodland plantings, patio pots, edging, underplanting, and mixed containers. In cooler climates it may tolerate more sun if moisture is steady, but in hot regions it looks best with afternoon shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Quick Facts – Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’

Summary: Compact herbaceous perennial coral bells with metallic silver foliage, dark bronze to purple veining, burgundy undersides, and pink buds opening to white or pinkish white flowers.
Use: Excellent for shade borders, woodland gardens, containers, edging, groundcover-style groups, underplanting shrubs, and patio displays.
Highlight: Glossy silver leaves with dramatic dark veins give the plant strong ornamental value through much of the year.
Note: Grow in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Mulch lightly and divide every few years to prevent woody crowns and frost heaving.

Botanical Name	Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’; PP12066; also sold as Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ PBR
Family	Saxifragaceae
Common Names	Silver Scrolls coral bells, Silver Scrolls alumroot, coral bells, alumroot
Plant Type and Habit	Herbaceous to semi-evergreen perennial; compact, clump-forming, mounding foliage plant
Hardiness (USDA)	Generally listed in the USDA Zone 4 to 9 range, with some sources listing Zones 3 to 9
Size	Usually about 8 to 12 in. tall in foliage and 12 to 18 in. wide; flower stems may rise to about 24 in.
Sun and Exposure	Part shade to full shade; can take more sun in cool climates if soil remains evenly moist
Soil	Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged crowns
Bloom Time	Late spring to early summer; flowers may continue lightly if deadheaded
Flower Color	Pink buds opening to white or pinkish white flowers
Foliage Color	Metallic silver, gray, burgundy, purple, dark veining, maroon undersides
Wildlife Value	Flowers may attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees; foliage provides ornamental structure
Deer Resistance	Generally deer resistant, though browsing can occur in high-pressure areas

Care – Quick

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
• Light: Choose part shade or bright shade; avoid hot afternoon sun in warm climates.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment and dry spells.
• Feeding: Use compost in spring or a light slow-release fertilizer if growth is weak.
• Pruning: Remove tired leaves and spent flower stems to keep the mound neat.
• Division: Divide every 3 to 4 years to refresh crowded or raised crowns.
• Best use: Use as a silver foliage accent near dark leaves, gold grasses, burgundy perennials, and shaded containers.

What Is Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’?

Description

Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ is a foliage-first coral bells cultivar introduced by The Primrose Path and associated with breeder Charles Oliver. It became popular for its metallic silver leaves, dark veining, and tidy habit. The leaves are rounded, lobed, slightly ruffled, and carried in a compact mound. Their maroon undersides add depth whenever the foliage lifts in wind or spills over a pot edge.

RHS describes the cultivar as compact and clump-forming, with silvery leaves, very dark veining, maroon undersides, and pinkish white flowers on reddish stems in summer. North Creek Nurseries describes rounded metallic silver leaves bordered and veined with deep wine red, with tiny white flowers tinged pink. These details explain why the plant reads as both refined and dramatic in shade designs.

Growth Habit and Size

‘Silver Scrolls’ forms a neat, low mound. Most garden listings place it around 8 to 12 inches tall in foliage and 12 to 18 inches wide, though some sources list slightly larger clumps. Flower stems rise above the leaves, often reaching 18 to 24 inches. The plant is compact enough for edging and containers, but showy enough to use in repeated drifts.

Flowers and Bloom Season

The flowers are small, airy, and graceful rather than bold. Pink buds open to white or pinkish white bells in late spring to early summer. They are useful for a soft vertical accent and may attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, but this cultivar is mainly grown for foliage. Deadheading keeps the plant tidy and may extend the floral display.

Foliage and Year-Round Texture

The foliage is the star. New growth may appear burgundy or pinkish brown, then the silver overlay develops and the veins darken. Mature leaves can look pewter, silver gray, or silver black depending on light, temperature, and season. In mild climates, the plant is semi-evergreen to evergreen. In cold regions, foliage may look tired after winter but can be trimmed as new spring growth appears.

Hardiness and Climate

‘Silver Scrolls’ is widely grown across temperate gardens and is generally listed for Zones 4 to 9, with some nursery listings extending the cold range to Zone 3. It tolerates heat better than many older silver-leaved perennials, but heat tolerance depends on shade and moisture. In hot summers, afternoon shade is the safest choice.

Uses in the Landscape

• Shade edging: Use along paths where the metallic leaves can be seen close up.
• Container accent: Pair with gold grasses, trailing annuals, and dark-leaved heucheras.
• Woodland garden: Plant beneath deciduous shrubs and small trees in humus-rich soil.
• Foliage contrast: Use near blue hostas, burgundy heucheras, caramel coral bells, and silver brunnera.
• Mass planting: Repeat several plants for a cool, luminous groundcover effect.
• Cut foliage: Use a few leaves in small arrangements where their veining can be appreciated.

Wildlife and Pollinator Value

Coral bells flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. ‘Silver Scrolls’ is not primarily a pollinator plant, but its airy blooms add nectar value while the foliage provides long-lasting ornamental structure. For stronger wildlife performance, pair it with native woodland perennials, spring ephemerals, and shrubs that provide pollen, berries, and habitat.

Deer and Browsing Animals

Heucheras are generally considered deer-resistant and are often useful where hostas are heavily browsed. Deer may still sample them when hungry, especially in winter or early spring, but ‘Silver Scrolls’ is usually less attractive than many soft, broad-leaved perennials.

Drought Tolerance

Established plants can tolerate short dry periods, and the RHS lists the cultivar as drought-resistant. Even so, best foliage quality comes from steady moisture and good drainage. Dry shade can lead to smaller leaves, browning edges, or slower growth. In containers, check water frequently during hot weather.

Toxicity

Heuchera is not commonly listed among highly toxic garden perennials. It should still be grown as an ornamental plant, not as an edible. Discourage pets and children from chewing the leaves or flowers, and contact a veterinarian if unusual symptoms occur after ingestion.

Invasiveness

‘Silver Scrolls’ is not invasive. It forms a compact clump and does not run. Older clumps may become woody or lifted at the crown, but this is a maintenance issue, not a spreading problem. Divide every few years to keep plants vigorous.

Growing Conditions For Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’

Light

Part shade is ideal. Morning sun with afternoon shade usually gives the best balance of strong foliage color and plant health. In cooler climates, ‘Silver Scrolls’ can handle more sun if moisture is consistent. In hot climates, avoid intense afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves or fade the silver finish.

Soil

Plant in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. The crown should sit at soil level, not buried deeply and not exposed above the soil surface. Add compost to sandy or poor soil, and improve heavy clay with organic matter and better drainage before planting.

Water

Water regularly during establishment. After that, keep soil moderately moist, especially during heat, drought, or container culture. Avoid soggy conditions, because wet crowns and poorly drained soil can lead to rot.

Feeding

Heucheras do not need heavy feeding. A spring topdressing of compost is usually enough. In containers, use a light slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season. Too much nitrogen can produce soft growth that is more vulnerable to stress.

Planting, Maintenance, And Propagation

Planting Tips

Plant in spring or fall. Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on whether you want individual mounds or a continuous edging effect. Water deeply after planting and mulch lightly, keeping mulch away from the crown.

Maintenance and Pruning

Remove old, damaged, or winter-burned leaves in early spring as new growth appears. Deadhead flower stems after bloom. Mulch lightly each year to reduce frost heave, and reset any crowns that have lifted above the soil surface.

Propagation

Divide established clumps every 3 to 4 years in spring or early fall. Replant vigorous young sections from the outer edge of the clump. Named cultivars should be propagated vegetatively to preserve their foliage color and pattern.

Problems And Pests

‘Silver Scrolls’ is generally low maintenance, but like many heucheras, it performs best when crowns stay healthy, drainage is good, and airflow is reasonable. Most problems come from vine weevil larvae, wet soil, winter heaving, excessive sun, or humid, crowded conditions.

• Vine weevil: Larvae can damage roots and crowns, especially in containers. Watch for sudden wilting or plants that detach easily from the soil.
• Leaf and bud eelworms: RHS notes that heucheras may be susceptible. Remove affected foliage, avoid overhead watering, and do not compost diseased plant debris.
• Heuchera rust: Orange, brown, or rusty pustules can appear on foliage, especially in humid conditions. Remove infected leaves, improve airflow, and avoid crowding.
• Leaf spots and bacterial leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial leaf spots may appear as dark, purple-brown, water-soaked, or necrotic marks on leaves. Improve air circulation, water at soil level, and remove badly affected foliage.
• Powdery mildew: Occasional mildew may occur where plants are stressed, crowded, or grown with poor airflow. It is not usually the main problem on heucheras, but it is worth monitoring.
• Root rot or crown rot: Soggy soil, buried crowns, or winter-wet conditions can cause decline. Plant with the crown slightly above soil level in well-drained soil.
• Frost heave: Shallow crowns may be pushed upward by freeze-thaw cycles. Mulch lightly after the ground cools and replant lifted crowns.
• Leaf scorch: Hot sun, drought, reflected heat, or dry wind can brown leaf edges, especially on plants grown in afternoon sun.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants With Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’

These companion plants suit Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ because they share its preference for part shade to shade, moist but well-drained soil, and the layered texture of woodland borders, shaded containers, and cool mixed plantings. Use them to highlight the metallic silver foliage, dark veining, burgundy undersides, and airy flower stems of this elegant coral bells.

• Silver shade border: Pair ‘Silver Scrolls’ with Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, and blue hostas for a refined silver, pewter, and blue-green woodland palette.
• Gold and pewter contrast: Combine the metallic leaves of ‘Silver Scrolls’ with Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ and Heuchera ‘Caramel’. The gold grass and apricot foliage warm the cool silver tones without clashing.
• Elegant container for shade: Use ‘Silver Scrolls’ in a broad pot with Carex morrowii ‘Variegata’, Hosta ‘June’, and a small Japanese painted fern for a polished mix of silver, cream, blue-green, and gold foliage.
• Soft woodland edge: Repeat several ‘Silver Scrolls’ beneath shrubs with Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, and Evergreen Solomon’s Seal (Disporopsis pernyi) for a graceful spring-to-summer shade planting.
• Dark foliage drama: Plant ‘Silver Scrolls’ beside Heuchera ‘Fire Chief’, dark-leaved hellebores, or deep green ferns so the silver foliage glows in low light.
• Cool path edging: Edge a shaded path with alternating clumps of ‘Silver Scrolls’, Carex morrowii ‘Variegata’, and Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’. The mix gives movement, shine, and year-round structure in mild climates.
• Romantic shade planting: Combine ‘Silver Scrolls’ with Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’, Dicentra spectabilis ‘White Gold’, and silver brunnera for heart-shaped flowers, pale foliage, and layered spring interest.
• Moist shade texture mix: For a lush, professional-looking shade bed, combine ‘Silver Scrolls’ with Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’, Hosta ‘Patriot’, and Japanese Painted Fern.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

RHS – Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’ PBR: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/166446/heuchera-silver-scrolls-pbr/details

North Creek Nurseries – Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’: https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plant-name/Heuchera–Silver-Scrolls

Growing Colors – Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’: https://www.growingcolors.com/plant/Heuchera-Silver-Scrolls

Missouri Botanical Garden – Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a211

Updated: June 2026 • Reviewed by Gardenia Editors