Halesia carolina

silver bell

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: March to May
• Flower colour: white
• Other features: fruit often stays on the tree well into winter
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A magnificent display is created in late spring, when pendent clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers appear. These emerge just before the fresh green leaves, which will later turn buttery shades in autumn before they fall. The flowers are followed by persistent, winged fruits, that will often stay on the tree into winter. A beautiful, deciduos tree that works well on the edges of a woodland garden, especially when underplanted with seasonal bulbs.
  
  
• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning once established, although as it is naturally low-branching and shrubby, you should aim to clear a short, single stem when young. This should be tackled when the plant is fully dormant from autumn to early spring. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly.