Fire Bells™ Correa

Fire Bells Correa (Correa pulchella 'Fire Bells') is a compact native groundcover with intense orange red flowers in winter and early spring. It grows about 25cm high and 80cm wide, or smaller with pruning, and needs very little pruning to stay that way. It is an Ozbreed line, well suited to containers, patios and small gardens, and the flowers attract birds.

Why you'll love it

• Colour in winter. Orange red flowers open in winter and early spring, when most of the garden is quiet.
• Stays low. At 25cm high it forms a dense mat that needs very little pruning to stay compact.
• Brings the birds. The nodding bell flowers suit gardens planted to attract birds.
• Right for small spaces. It is compact enough for small gardens, patios and containers.
• Low water, frost tolerant. Once established it has low water requirements, and it tolerates drought and frost.

Where it works best

Groundcover. Plant 50cm apart, about four plants per square metre. As the plants spread towards 80cm wide they join into a dense cover, which also holds back weeds.

Containers and patios. Its low habit suits wide pots and troughs by a door or on a patio, where the winter flowers can be seen up close.

Bird attracting and small gardens. Use it at the front of a native bed beneath taller shrubs. It gives small birds a reason to visit in the cooler months.

Growing Fire Bells Correa in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade. Ozbreed lists it for Victoria, the ACT, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, southern New South Wales and Sydney, so it suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It is not listed for Queensland or the north.

Soil. It prefers reasonably drained soil but adapts to most soil types. In Sydney, where it needs good drainage, raise the bed on clay and add coarse material.

Water and feed. Water as required for 8 to 13 weeks until established, then leave it to the weather. Fertilise with a slow release native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune once a year to hold the semi compact habit, or twice a year for a manicured look. It needs little more than that.

What to expect when it arrives

Fire Bells Correa is sold as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to cover a bank or a wide bed, and the potted packs give a quicker mat. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is not always available. A size shows as sold out when no grower has it, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Plants travel upright and settle in a few weeks in mild weather.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full correa range
• See the full Ozbreed range
• More groundcover plants
• Plants for small gardens

Common questions

When does it flower?

In winter and early spring. The flowers are orange red and bell shaped, and they suit a garden planted for birds.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 50cm apart, about four plants per square metre, for a dense groundcover. In a row use two to three plants per metre.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Ozbreed recommends it for containers on patios. Use a free draining mix and water as required.