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types of coral bells

If you’re captivated by foliage plants, exploring the different types of coral bells brings a wealth of colour, texture, and vibrancy to your garden. Known botanically as Heuchera, coral bells are beloved by Kiwi gardeners for their easy care, evergreen nature, and especially the dazzling array of leaf colours. Whether you’re after subtle silvers, rich purples, or champagne hues, there’s a coral bells variety perfect for every garden style and situation. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular types of coral bells you can grow in New Zealand, with helpful tips on uses and care.

Correa 'Dusky Bells'

Correa 'Dusky Bells' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its attractive dusky pink bell shaped flowers and soft grey green foliage. It brings year round interest to New Zealand gardens and is especially valued for its long flowering period and bird attraction. Its dense habit makes it ideal for hedging, borders, and coastal plantings.

Buy Correa 'Dusky Bells'

From $25.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' is a compact evergreen perennial admired for its bright lime green ruffled foliage that adds year round colour and texture to New Zealand gardens. This attractive coral bells variety forms neat mounds of heavily textured leaves that brighten shaded spaces and contrast beautifully with darker foliage plants.

Buy Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

From $22.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 20 cm

Spread: 40 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, Woodland

What Are Coral Bells?

Coral bells are native to North America but thrive in New Zealand’s climate, making them ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, and containers. Their main draw is the stunning foliage: ruffled, scalloped, or veined leaves come in shades from deep burgundy to glowing amber. Some types of coral bells also send up delicate sprays of tiny flowers in spring and summer, adding even more ornamental interest.

Popular Types of Coral Bells

With so many hybrids and cultivars available, choosing your favourites can be a delightful challenge. Here are some standout types of coral bells available at our nursery:

Heuchera Black Taffeta (Coral Bells)

If you’re seeking drama, Heuchera Black Taffeta (Coral Bells) is a star. Its intensely ruffled leaves are a rich, glossy black-purple, providing extraordinary contrast in both beds and pots. Black Taffeta makes a striking companion to light or silver-leafed plants.

Heuchera Prince of Silver (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Prince of Silver (Coral Bells) brings a contemporary note to your garden. Its silvery leaves are veined with purple, creating an elegant, shimmering effect in shade or part-shade. This variety looks stunning mixed among ferns or hostas.

Heuchera Amethyst (Coral Bells)

For bright jewel-toned foliage, Heuchera Amethyst (Coral Bells) is hard to beat. It offers rich, amethyst-purple leaves that hold their dramatic colour through the seasons, brightening up even the darkest corners.

Heuchera Champagne (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Champagne (Coral Bells) features foliage that emerges peachy-gold before maturing to soft champagne tones. Red veining enhances the effect, making this a beautiful focal point or accent in your planting schemes.

Heuchera Amethyst Myst (Coral Bells)

With its marbled silver and purple leaves, Heuchera Amethyst Myst (Coral Bells) offers sparkle and sophistication. Its dramatic foliage works beautifully in shady borders or woodland gardens.

How to Use Different Types of Coral Bells

Thanks to their versatility, most types of coral bells excel as ground cover, edging for paths, or as bold accents in mixed containers. Their colourful foliage lasts year-round in most New Zealand regions, providing structure and interest even in winter. Coral bells are drought tolerant once established and require only occasional tidying up of old leaves.

If you’re looking to boost your shade garden with minimal fuss, coral bells are the answer. Check out our curated selection of stunning types of coral bells to add lasting colour, texture, and style to your garden all year round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

types of coral bells

Correa 'Dusky Bells'

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

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What Are Coral Bells?