Halesia carolina silver bell, snowdrop tree

Silver bell is a gorgeous shrub whose other name is probably even more accurate: snowdrop tree. Its origin is SE USA and it is still quite rare in Europe although it is easy to grow and hardy.

Silver bell is cultivated mostly for its snow-white bell-shaped flowers produced in masses in late April and early May. They are followed by 4-winged, brown fruit in autumn. Deciduous leaves are broadly elliptic or obovate, mid green in summer and yellow in autumn. Also interesting is its steel-grey bark with creamy striping which changes to heavy furrows in maturity.

It grows moderately, spreading with horizontal branches. It likes neutral to slightly acid, fertile, evenly moist soil that is best kept cool by underplanting with species demanding the same soil conditions. Pruning is possible in early spring or immediately after flowering. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 08-01-2013; 27-01-2025