Description
Halesia – Silverbell – Snowdrop Tree–
There are about 5 species of small, deciduous trees and shrubs, in this genus. They occur in woodland, at woodland margins, and on riverbanks in Eastern China and Eastern North America. They have alternate, simple ovate to elliptic, or oblong leaves, up to 5″ long. They are grown for their pendent, small white bell shaped flowers, curious winged fruits, and autumn color. Ideal as specimen plants, for the back of a shrub border, or in woodland garden
Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained, neutral to acidic soil in sun or partial shade, shelter from strong wind. Does best in cool, moist and humid climates.
Prone to root rot, wood rot, and scale insects.
H. carolina – H. tetraptera – Carolina Silverbell – This spreading tree or shrub from Southeastern USA grows 25-40′ feet tall and 30-40′ feet wide, and is the most commonly cultivated species. It produces ovate to elliptic, minutely toothed, mid green leaves, to 6″ long, turning yellow in autumn. From mid to late spring, just before the leaves emerge it bears axillary clusters of 2-6 pendent, bell shaped white or pink flushed flowers, to 3/4″ long. They are followed by 4 winged green fruit that ripen to pale brown.
Zones 5-8
