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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.

heuchera-obsidian--3

Heuchera Obsidian (Coral Bells)

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Heuchera Obsidian is an herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, dark purple-near black foliage. Flower spikes emerge above the foliage in summer carrying tiny, bell-shaped, cream-white flowers. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and the same wide, performing best when planted on a well-drained, sheltered site. Heuchera Obsidian is commonly used for adding colour, used to provide a colour contrast, included in borders or mixed plantings, added to cottage and tropical gardens, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
heuchera-glitter-

Heuchera Glitter (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Glitter is an herbaceous perennial grown for its interestingly coloured foliage which is a silver with dark veins and a purple-dark red undertone. Flower spikes emerge above the foliage during summer to bear masses of red flowers as it grows to 25 cm tall and 35 cm wide. Heuchera Glitter is commonly used for adding colour to a border or mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, included in cottage gardens, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 35 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
heuchera-kassandra--3

Heuchera Kassandra (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Kassandra is an herbaceous perennial grown for its interestingly coloured foliage which is a mixture of apricot, lime, and yellow. Flower...

From$21.53
heuchera-dark-secret--2

Heuchera Dark Secret (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Dark Secret is an herbaceous perennial grown for its gorgeous foliage. It features lush, dark purple foliage with dark green undertones...

From$18.83
heuchera-northern-exposure-silver-

Heuchera Northern Exposure Silver (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Northern Exposure Silver is an herbaceous perennial grown for its richly coloured foliage. The leaves are silver with a purple undertone...

From$20.18
heuchera-peppermint-spice--1

Heuchera Peppermint Spice (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Peppermint Spice is an herbaceous perennial grown for its interestingly coloured foliage which is blue-green with dark green veins. Flower...

From$20.18
correa-dusky-bells-

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...

From$24.98
rhododendron-coral-flare-

Rhododendron Vireya Coral Flare

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Coral Flare’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant...

From$28.28
leptospermum-coral-candy--6

Leptospermum 'Coral Candy'

Leptospermum 'Coral Candy' is a vibrant evergreen shrub known for its masses of coral pink flowers that create a striking display in spring. The fine...

From$26.93
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.

Sansevieria Black Coral

Sansevieria Black Coral is a variety of the commonly known, Variegated Snake Plant or Mother in Law’s Tongue, and is a very popular indoor plant. It...

From$37.73
Sedum 'Midnight Coral' black foliage and orange-pink flowers.

Sedum 'Midnight Coral'

Sedum 'Midnight Coral' is a striking succulent perennial admired in NZ gardens for its dark, dramatic foliage and vibrant late season flowers. Its...

From$22.88
rhipsalis-cereuscula-3

Rhipsalis cereuscula (Coral Cactus)

Commonly known as the Coral Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and interesting stems. Masses of the dark green, thread-like stems are...

From$26.93
Heuchera Obsidian (Coral Bells)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Correa, Heuchera, Leptospermum, Rhipsalis, Rhododendron Sansevieria and Sedum, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Vireya Rhododendon.

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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.


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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.

Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' are tried and true, but new favourites like Lavender 'Sensation Rose', Sisyrinchium californicum, and Loropetalum chinense are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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