Today's featured plant is:
Halesia tetraptera, commonly known as the Carolina Silverbell, or Common Silverbell.
Halesia tetraptera is a small tree ideal for woodland borders and shrub borders. It has a round, pyramidal or vase shaped habit. These plants are native to a large swath of the United States, ranging from West Virginia in the north to Florida in the south, going all the way west to eastern Oklahoma. Because of this, the Carolina Silverbell grows best in zones 4-8 (check your zone here).
Its white bell shaped flowers are in bloom throughout April and May, and the flowers are best seen from below the tree as they hang on pendulous stalks. You can decide whether to use this plant as a tree or shrub, depending on how you prune it. This plant naturally creates multiple stems, so if you want it bushier, leave the multiple stems alone. If you prefer it more like a traditional tree, remove all stems except the central one. Either way, you will have a gorgeous plant.
One of Carolina Silverbell’s greatest draws - and one of the top reasons I recommend this tree - is that it is pest resistant. Bees also love it!
If you’re interested in planting a Halesia tetraptera of your own, make sure you find the optimal place for it. Silverbell trees require a rich, well drained, moist soil that has a high organic content and is acidic. While it grows 15 to 40 ft (shrubs will be on the small end), It is regarded as an understory tree that requires a protected environment; it grows best in a collection of trees that have a high canopy. In terms of ideal sun, it can handle full sun, but really prefers partial shade. Choose your canopy carefully, as full shade will result in a weedy looking tree with few flowers.
Happy planting!