12 Coral Bells Front Yard Landscaping Ideas for Stunning Curb Appeal Transformations

If you want to breathe some new life and color into your front yard, coral bells might just be your new favorite plant. These perennials bring rich foliage and subtle blooms, brightening up shady corners or adding texture to garden beds.

Figuring out how to use coral bells well can totally change your outdoor space—no huge makeover needed.

So, how do you actually make coral bells pop and play nice with the plants you already have? Let’s walk through 12 real-life ideas to help you create layered, balanced front yard designs that are easy to care for and look great.

For inspiration (and a few pro tips), check out these coral bells front yard landscaping ideas.

1) Plant coral bells in groups of 3-5 for a natural clustered look.

Try planting coral bells in clusters of three to five. This gives your front yard a softer, more organic vibe—way better than a stiff, spaced-out grid.

When you group them, the colors and textures blend together, making your garden look fuller and more inviting. Space each plant about 12 to 18 inches apart so they can stretch out without bumping into each other.

Too close together? You’ll get poor air flow and root competition—nobody wants that. Clustered coral bells also bring in butterflies and hummingbirds, which adds a gentle energy to your yard.

Start with small groups near walkways or entryways to draw attention, then fill in around them for more depth. Play around until you find a mix that fits your space and style. For more ideas, check this coral bells landscaping guide.

2) Use coral bells as colorful edging along walkways

Line your walkways with coral bells for a crisp, colorful border. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart, and you’ll get a full, even edge that really makes your paths pop.

Their leaves—ranging from deep purple to bright green—give you a bold contrast against plain concrete or gravel. Keep them low and even to define the path, but don’t let them spill over and block the way.

Coral bells pair well with taller plants like Japanese maples for a layered look. This simple trick not only sharpens up your curb appeal but keeps your front yard tidy all year.

If you want a polished look with minimal effort, try edging your walkways with coral bells. Here’s a handy guide for using coral bells for edging.

3) Combine coral bells with hostas for texture contrast.

Mixing coral bells with hostas is a quick way to get a texture contrast in your front yard. Hostas have those wide, smooth leaves that anchor a bed, while coral bells bring in color and finer detail.

Pick hostas with variegated or bright leaves to set off the reds and purples of your coral bells. Each plant gets a chance to shine—no one’s lost in the crowd.

Don’t plant them too close, though. Coral bells grow slower and need their own space to show off. Both thrive in shade, so this combo is perfect for those tricky, sun-dodging spots.

The result? A balanced, inviting yard that looks good all season. Curious about pairing these two? Check out more ideas for coral bells and hosta gardens.

4) Select coral bells varieties with vibrant foliage like ‘Palace Purple’

Go for coral bells with bold, eye-catching leaves to instantly boost your front yard’s curb appeal. ‘Palace Purple’ is a fan favorite, with big, shiny leaves that shift from deep green to a rich, metallic purple as the season goes on.

The creamy white flowers on tall stems show up in late spring, adding a nice contrast without stealing the show. This variety holds its color well, so you get lasting impact from spring through fall.

Skip any plants with faded or tired-looking leaves—they just drag down the whole vibe. Stick to healthy, vibrant varieties like ‘Palace Purple’ for the biggest punch. Dive into more tips for growing showy coral bells at Palace Purple Coral Bells.

5) Space coral bells 12-18 inches apart for a seamless display

Give your coral bells 12 to 18 inches of space between each plant. It sounds simple, but it helps them grow strong and keeps your border looking smooth and intentional.

Plant them too close and you’ll get a messy tangle—plus, more risk of disease. For smaller types, 12 inches works. Bigger ones need a bit more room, up to 18 inches.

Repeat this spacing for a lush, colorful edge that’s easy to maintain. Avoid the temptation to cram them in; let them fill in naturally for a healthier, prettier garden.

Try adding taller plants behind your coral bells for a layered effect that draws the eye. Want more spacing tips? Check out this front yard landscaping guide.

6) Layer coral bells under taller shrubs for depth

Want more depth in your front yard? Tuck coral bells under taller shrubs to create a natural transition from ground level up.

Shrubs like Japanese maples or big ferns make a great backdrop. Their height pulls your eye upward, while coral bells brighten the bottom layer.

Don’t crowd the plants—give coral bells at least a foot of space so they don’t fight for resources. That way, each layer stays healthy and the air moves freely.

This setup helps coral bells’ colors stand out, turning them into a vibrant base for your beds. Layering adds height and keeps things looking balanced. Want more? Check out these front yard coral bells landscaping ideas.

7) Incorporate coral bells in shady areas for bright accents

Got shady spots that look a little dull? Coral bells can save the day, bringing color where most plants just fade into the background.

Their leaves come in everything from deep purple to lime green—even red splashes. Plant them near trees or under shrubs where the sun barely peeks through.

Space them 12 to 18 inches apart for a dense, lush look. Just don’t put them anywhere soggy or bone-dry—coral bells like moist, well-drained soil.

With a little care, these shade-lovers turn tricky areas into year-round highlights. Want more ideas for shade? Peek at 10 Coral Bells Front Yard Landscaping Ideas.

8) Mix different coral bells leaf colors for visual interest

Don’t settle for just one color—mix up your coral bells for a front yard that never gets boring. Combine deep purples, bright greens, and copper tones for eye-catching contrast.

This layered approach keeps your garden lively, even when nothing’s blooming. Try grouping dark-leafed plants next to lighter ones to make each color pop.

If you put too many similar shades together, things can look flat and uninspired. Play with different leaf shapes and textures, too—some coral bells are ruffled, others are smooth.

Need ideas for color combos? Check out these coral bells landscaping guides. Move things around until you find a mix that feels right for your space.

9) Add coral bells near front porch steps to create a welcoming feel

Placing coral bells near your front porch steps is such a simple way to make your entrance feel more inviting. Their colorful leaves instantly catch the eye and add texture without taking over the space.

I love pairing them with ferns or hostas. It just creates a balanced, natural look that feels warm—like you’re actually glad people stopped by.

Don’t cram too many plants together, though. Coral bells need a little breathing room to really show off their colors.

If you crowd the entryway, it can look a bit messy and cramped. Let each plant have its moment.

Think about the colors, too. Coral bells come in shades like red, purple, and green, so pick a tone that works with your front door or porch furniture.

That little detail can really boost your curb appeal. For more ideas, check out these coral bells front porch landscaping tips.

10) Use coral bells to soften hardscape edges like stone walls

Stone walls can look a little harsh without some greenery. Coral bells add color and texture that gently breaks up those hard lines.

Plant them close to the base and let the leaves spill over the stones. It gives the whole area a softer, more inviting vibe.

Coral bells do well in well-drained soil, which is usually what you’ll find around stone walls. Try varieties with bold leaves—purple or red coral bells really pop against gray or beige stones.

Just don’t pack them in too tightly. Good air flow helps prevent moisture problems that can mess with both the plants and the stones.

I’d suggest regular pruning to keep things tidy. You want the coral bells to highlight the wall, not take over.

If you’re curious about more ways to use coral bells around stonework, these coral bells landscaping ideas are worth a look.

11) Plant coral bells alongside ferns for complementary textures

If you want instant texture, pair coral bells with ferns. Coral bells have those rounded, colorful leaves, and ferns bring in feathery fronds—such a good combo.

This mix keeps your garden interesting without going overboard. Both like partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, so they’re pretty easy to grow together.

Give them some space, though. Plants need air flow, and crowding can stress them out.

I like mixing in ferns of different heights for more layers. It adds depth and draws attention to both plants.

Skip ferns with really bright colors, though—they might clash with the coral bells’ bold hues. Stick with greens for a calmer look.

Try this pairing if you want a garden that’s textured but still feels relaxed and natural. There’s a lot you can do with ferns and coral bells together.

12) Include coral bells with flowering spring bulbs for multi-season color

Try pairing coral bells with spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, or crocuses for longer-lasting color in your front yard. The bulbs pop up early, then coral bells keep things going with their foliage and later blooms.

Go ahead and plant bulbs beneath coral bells in containers or right in your garden beds. You’ll get a layered look that feels lively from early spring into summer.

Just keep an eye on spacing. If you pack things in too tightly, the bulbs might not grow their best.

Honestly, it’s a simple way to keep your front yard looking colorful for months. If you want more inspiration for mixing coral bells and bulbs, check out these container planting tips.