The ‘Snowdrop Tree’
Best known as the ‘Snowdrop Tree’, Halesia are small trees that have spectacular flowers in spring. Used in landscaping as feature trees, a number of varieties are available from wholesale growers in Australia.
This is not a tree that is found in many nurseries, and its certainly not because of the flowers, although they are small. Its also not because of pests and diseases, because it does not really have any problems with these.
A group of small to medium sized deciduous trees, this is a small genus with only a handful of species.
Halesia carolina with its creamy white flowers and Halesia tetraptera are perhaps the most widely grown. Also known as the Carolina Silverbell and Mountain Silverbell. Reaching a height of around 8m with attractive green foliage turning to yellow in autumn
Halesoa monticola (syn Halesia tetraptera) will reach around 5 – 7 m in height and with masses of white flowers is an excellent spring flowering tree for a medium to large garden.
How to grow Halesia Trees – Basic Care
Long lived and with attractive bell shaped white flowers in spring Halesia carolina will grow well in free draining humus rich moist soil with protection from hot afternoon sun.
- Humus rich soil.
- Well drained and moisture retentive, so mulch to maintain moisture.
- Slightly acidic soil.
- Drought tolerant once established.