shrub

Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia

Correa 'Canberra Bells'

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs characterised by opposite, simple leaves and tubular or bell-shaped flowers that hang from the branches. Commonly known as native fuchsias, these plants are adapted to well-drained soils and are highly valued for their winter-flowering habit.

'Canberra Bells' is a compact hybrid cultivar featuring bicoloured, bell-shaped flowers with bright red and cream-white segments. The foliage consists of small, rounded, olive-green leaves that form a dense, mounding habit up to one metre tall and wide.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking bicoloured red and cream bell-shaped flowers throughout autumn and winter against neat olive-green foliage.

Offers high drought tolerance once established and functions well as a compact, low-maintenance hedge.

Provides a valuable winter nectar source for native honeyeaters and attracts beneficial native insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39 inches

Width

39 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia (cultivar of hybrid origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Autumn – Winter

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and excellent drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with friable, well-drained loam.
Water deeply upon planting, and maintain occasional deep watering during dry summer spells once established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless wood, as correas lack dormant buds on bare stems and will fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable soil to avoid waterlogging.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood.
Do not overwater during humid summer conditions.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native gardensBird-attracting bordersContainer plantingLow hedges

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea 'Superb'Westringia fruticosa Crowea exalata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia questions

What zones can Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia grow in?

Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia 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 Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia bloom?

Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia typically blooms in autumn through winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia need full sun?

Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Canberra Bells, Native Fuchsia drought tolerant?

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