Halesia

These medium-sized, deciduous trees are very attractive lawn ornaments. Commonly known as Silver Bell Trees or Snowdrop Trees, they bear clusters of pendant, bell-shaped, white or pale pink flowers, in the spring. The blossoms last about a week and are followed by four-winged seedpods in the fall. H. carolina (Carolina Silver Bell) grows 20 to 30 feet high. It grows wild from West Virginia to Florida and Texas. It forms a rounded head of green, 3- to 5-inch leaves that turn yellow in the fall. H. monticola (Mountain Silver Bell) is found in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. This variety grows 40 to 50 feet high and bears 1-inch, white flowers from pink tinged buds. Its variety, rosea, produces light pink blossoms. Another variety, H. diptera, can be grown as a small tree or large shrub. It is found from South Carolina to Florida and Texas.

Pot Cultivation

Grow Silver Bells in full sun or light shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.0). It should be enhanced with leaf mold or peat moss. Place them in a location sheltered from harsh winds. Older trees rarely need pruning.

Propagation

Seeds can be sown in sandy soil in a greenhouse or frame as soon as they are ripe.