coral bells: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Gardening, Everyday (among gardening enthusiasts)
Quick answer
What does “coral bells” mean?
A perennial plant (Heuchera sanguinea) valued for its delicate clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers and decorative foliage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial plant (Heuchera sanguinea) valued for its delicate clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers and decorative foliage.
The common name for plants of the genus Heuchera, often used in landscaping for their colorful leaves and airy flower spikes. Can also refer informally to the coral-like color of the flowers or, rarely, to actual decorative bells made from coral (archaic usage).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in gardening contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes ornamental gardening, perennial borders, and shade-tolerant plants equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English gardening publications due to the plant's native range in North America, but well-established in UK gardening lexicon.
Grammar
How to Use “coral bells” in a Sentence
[GARDENER] planted [Coral Bells] in [the border].[Coral Bells] thrive in [partial shade].[The] colour of [the] coral bells [is striking].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coral bells” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coral-bells display was a highlight of the Hampton Court Flower Show.
American English
- She preferred a coral-bells variety with deep purple leaves.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in horticultural trade, e.g., 'Sales of coral bells have increased this quarter.'
Academic
Used in botanical texts, horticultural studies, and ecology papers discussing native flora.
Everyday
Used by gardeners, in garden centres, and in lifestyle magazines featuring gardening.
Technical
Precise term in horticulture, landscape design, and plant taxonomy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coral bells”
- Using singular 'coral bell' for the plant species (acceptable but less common).
- Confusing it with 'coral bells' as a description for actual decorative items.
- Misspelling as 'corral bells'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a plural noun when referring to multiple plants ('The coral bells are flowering'), but often as a singular collective noun for the species ('Coral bells is a good choice for shade').
While they prefer partial shade, many modern cultivars can tolerate morning sun, but hot afternoon sun can scorch their leaves.
'Coral bells' is the common name, specifically often for Heuchera sanguinea and its hybrids. 'Heuchera' is the botanical genus name encompassing all species and hybrids.
No, the Heuchera species commonly called coral bells are native to North America, but they are widely cultivated and naturalised in UK gardens.
A perennial plant (Heuchera sanguinea) valued for its delicate clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers and decorative foliage.
Coral bells is usually technical/gardening, everyday (among gardening enthusiasts) in register.
Coral bells: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.əl ˈbelz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.əl ˈbelz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None directly associated with the plant term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine tiny, colourful bells made of coral ringing in a shady garden bed.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS AN ORNAMENT (the plant is decorative like a piece of jewellery).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'coral bells'?