Species

1 other cultivar

‘Catie Bec’Native Fuchsia, Catie Bec Native Fuchsia

shrub

White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa

Correa hybrid 'Ivory Bells'

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs characterised by opposite leaves and bell-shaped, pendent flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds. Most species thrive in well-drained soils and tolerate varying levels of shade, making them valuable understory plants in temperate climates.

'Ivory Bells' is a compact, dense hybrid between Correa alba and Correa backhousiana, growing to 120 to 150 centimetres tall with coppery stems. It produces creamy-white to ivory tubular flowers with reflexed petal tips and prominent purple anthers from late autumn through to early spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, compact evergreen foliage and pendent, ivory bell-shaped flowers that bloom through winter.

Highly tolerant of coastal salt spray, wind, and dry shade under mature trees once established.

Provides nectar for native honeyeaters, bees, and small insectivorous birds during the cooler months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Garden origin (Australian parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with sharp drainage, such as a sandy, rocky, or sloped garden bed.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil without adding rich organic matter, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets.
Water in thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a light layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the main stems.
Irrigate occasionally during the first summer to establish the root system, reducing frequency once established.

Pro Tip

In hot inland regions, plant 'Ivory Bells' in light afternoon shade rather than baking full sun, and never prune back into the bare, leafless inner wood as it fails to shoot from dormant buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-drained sandy or rocky soils to prevent waterlogging.
Provide light afternoon shade in hot inland climates to protect the foliage.
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a compact shape.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring if growth is slow.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless bare wood as it will not regenerate.
Do not over-water or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not use high-phosphorus fertilisers.
Do not allow standing water to accumulate around the root zone.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Understory planting under mature treesCoastal windbreaks and salt-exposed gardensLow informal hedging and screeningRock gardens and dry shade borders

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea species Anigozanthos flavidus Lomandra longifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa questions

What zones can White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa grow in?

White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa bloom?

White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa need full sun?

White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), White Australian Fuchsia, Ivory Bells Correa handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.