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Halesia carolina

Carolina silverbell

A deciduous tree or shrub suitable for a woodland garden or shrub border. Pendent clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by green, four-winged fruits in autumn. Mid-green ovate leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Other common names
opossum wood
silverbell tree
see moresnowdrop tree
Synonyms
Halesia tetraptera
Halesia parviflora
see moreHalesia tetraptera var. tetraptera
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Styracaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Halesia are deciduous shrubs or small trees with simple, ovate leaves and pendent, bell-shaped white flowers followed by distinctive, winged fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in lime-free, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade; suitable for woodlands

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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