Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

3 other cultivars

shrub

Canberra Bells Correa

Correa x hybrida 'Canberra Bells'

The Story

Plant Bio

Correa is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs valued for their nodding, tubular flowers and tolerance of dry, low-fertility soils. Often referred to as Australian fuchsias, these woody plants feature dense, twiggy growth habits and small, leathery leaves.

'Canberra Bells' is a compact, mounding cultivar distinguished by its bicolored, bell-shaped flowers that display a vivid red base transitioning to creamy-white tips. This dense shrub produces its heavy flush of drooping blooms from late summer through the winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Brightly bicolored red and cream bell-shaped flowers provide striking winter color when most other shrubs are dormant.

Highly drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant, making it excellent for low-water coastal landscaping.

Provides a vital winter nectar source for hummingbirds and other local pollinators.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Winter

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with sharp-draining sandy loam or loamy soil in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth to prevent the crown from settling too low.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply at planting and maintain moderate moisture until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Provide excellent drainage and water moderately during the fall-to-winter blooming period; while drought-tolerant once established, absolute neglect reduces flowering, but heavy clay soils will trigger swift root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Provide light afternoon shade in hot, inland climates to protect the foliage.
Tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage a dense, compact habit.
Water occasionally during extended dry spells in the winter blooming season.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood, as it will fail to regenerate.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the root system.
Do not plant in stagnant, humid areas with poor air circulation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardenRock GardenMixed BorderContainer SpecimenLow Hedge

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos densiflora Salvia clevelandii Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Grevillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Canberra Bells Correa questions

What zones can Canberra Bells Correa grow in?

Canberra 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.

Is Canberra Bells Correa deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Canberra Bells Correa, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Canberra Bells Correa bloom?

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

Does Canberra Bells Correa need full sun?

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

Is Canberra Bells Correa drought tolerant?

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