Halesia diptera Magniflora Group (Two-Wing Silverbell)

Halesia diptera (Two-Wing Silverbell) is a rounded deciduous shrub or small tree boasting eye-catching clusters of 2-7 hanging, bell-shaped, glistening white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm) in early to late spring. The flowers are beautiful when viewed from beneath. They emerge slightly before or when the leaves unfurl and are followed by 2-winged pale green fruits in the fall, which often persist well into the winter. The seeds are eaten by wildlife, including squirrels, and bees and hummingbirds visit the flowers. The foliage of oval, finely toothed, mid-green leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), turns yellow in the fall. The bark on young twigs is smooth and peels in long, thin strings. The bark on older stems and the trunk is reddish brown with whitish stripes in furrows. Two-Wing Silverbell blooms 1-2 weeks later than Halesia carolina. It can be grown as a large multi-trunked shrub or trained into a small understory tree. Magniflora Group primarily differs from the species by producing larger flowers, 1.5 in. across (3 cm), and more profuse blooms. 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.

• Recipient of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant Award.
• Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall and wide (6-9 m).
• A part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Intolerant of hot dry sites, high pH soils, or salinity exposure. It grows in full sun in the north and adapts to almost total shade in the south.
• 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.
• Plants can be grown from seed but require 2 years to germinate.
• Native to the southeastern United States, from South Carolina south to Florida, west to Arkansas, and southeast Texas.