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. monticola f. rosea – Mountain Silverbell – Mountain Snowdrop Tree – This fast growing, usually cone shaped tree grows 40-60′ feet tall and 25′ feet wide. It produces ovate, pointed, downy especially on new growth, mid green leaves, to 8″ long, becoming hairless with age, and turning yellow in autumn. With or before the leaves it late spring it bears pendent, axillary cluster of 2-5 wide, bell shaped pale pink flowers, to 1″ long followed by 4 winged green fruit.
Zones 6-9
