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.diptera var. magniflora – Two-winged Silverbell – This spreading shrub or small tree from Southeastern USA grows 20′ feet tall and 30′ feet wide. It produces elliptic to obovate, minutely toothed, mid green leaves, to 5 ½”’ long, which are downy when young and turn yellow in autumn. In early summer it bears axillary cluster or short racemes of 3-6 deeply 4 lobed white flowers, to 1 1/4″ across, they are followed by 2 winged green fruit.
Zones 5-8
