Stephen Albert
Carolina silverbell, Halesia, is a deciduous tree or large shrub of North America valued for its handsome, drooping, bell-shaped white flowers in early spring.
Silverbell thrives in any well-drained soil. It northern, cold-winter regions it grows best in a sheltered position.
Carolina Silverbell grows to 40 feet with spreading branches; in cold winter regions, it may never grow larger than a tall shrub.
Silverbell is propagated by seed sown in the fall or by layering and root-cuttings.
Get to know Carolina Silverbell
- Plant type: Deciduous tree
- Growing Zones and range: 5-8
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Height and spread: Grows to 30 feet (9m) tall and as wide
- Foliage: Alternate, toothed leaves
- Flowers: Delicate bell-shaped silvery,, white blooms followed by winged seed capsules
- Bloom time: Spring
- Uses: Specimen tree, woodland planting
- Botanical name: Halesia carolina
- Common name: Carolina Silverbell
Where to plant Carolina Silverbell
- Grow Carolina silverbell in full sun to light shade.
- Avoid planting Carolina silverbell where it is not hit by a strong wind.
- Plant Carolina silverbell in humus-rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
When to plant Carolina Silverbell
- Transplant balled-and-burlapped or container-grown plants in spring.
Planting and spacing Carolina Silverbell
- Space Silverbell 30 to 35 feet apart; trees grow 20 to 30 feet tall
How to water and feed Carolina Silverbell
- Keep the soil evenly moist for best growth; give Silverbell plenty of moisture if growing in full sun
- Spread aged compost to the dripline once a year
Carolina Silverbell care
- Remove lower limbs early on and train Silverbell to a single trunk
- Mulch Carolina silverbell with aged compost to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Carolina silverbell rarely need pruning; prune immediately after flowering when needed
Carolina Silverbell common problems
- Carolina silverbell loses leaves very early.
- Carolina silverbell has no serious pests or disease.
Carolina Silverbell propagation
- Sow seed in fall; seeds may take 2 years to germinate.
Carolina Silverbell varieties to grow
- ‘Rosea’ has light pink flowers.
- Halesia diptera var. Magniflora bears large showy flowers
