Halesia carolina (Carolina Silverbell)

Best known for its ornamental qualities, Halesia carolina (Carolina Silverbell) is a broad, rounded, deciduous shrub or small tree boasting eye-catching clusters of 2-5 hanging, bell-shaped, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm) in mid-spring. They emerge slightly before or when the leaves unfurl and are followed by 4-winged pale green fruits in the fall, which often persist well into the winter. Squirrels eat the seeds, and the flowers provide honey for bees. The foliage of ovate, finely toothed, dark yellowish-green leaves usually turns muted yellow in the fall. Carolina Silverbell grows at a moderate rate and lives about 100 years. It can be grown as a large multi-trunked shrub or trained into a small understory tree. The heavy crop of white bell-shaped flowers and small size make it a desirable tree for landscaping. Perfect along stream banks, in the shrub border, or as a single specimen. Attractive when planted with rhododendrons and azaleas.

• Grows up to 30-40 ft. tall (9-12 m) and 20-35 ft. wide (6-11 m).
• A part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. It is an understory tree that tolerates full sun but prefers part shade.
• Perfect for shrub borders, woodland gardens, or as a specimen for the lawn.
• Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease issues. Leaves can become chlorotic in high-pH soils.
• No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
• Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.
• Native to the southeastern United States.