Halesia carolina UConn

Halesia carolina (or tetraptera) UConn is a variety of Tree with silver bells that is particularly decorative with its spring flowering: its branches, still devoid of leaves, are covered with numerous white bells, larger than those of the wild species. It is a large deciduous bush that is very hardy and also offers beautiful golden autumn foliage and a light grey bark that peels off over time. Show it off: plant it in isolation in the middle of the lawn, or in the centre of a shrub bed. Its snowdrop flowers, leaves, and mature branches brighten up the cool and semi-shaded areas of the garden.

Halesia carolina UConn belongs to the Styracaceae family, it is a cousin of the Styrax. The botanical species, sometimes called the Tree Snowdrop, is native to forests in the southeastern United States, where it grows in deep, humus-rich soils, neutral to acidic, always moist to wet, but light. The cultivar 'UConn', selected in Ohio by Mark Brand and introduced by the University of Connecticut, distinguishes itself with a more bushy habit and an even more spectacular flowering. This shrub naturally forms several trunks that support a flexible, spreading canopy, almost as wide as it is tall. Pruning can be done to maintain only one or two main trunks. Its growth is fast, it can reach a height of 6m (19 ft 8 in) with a diameter of 5.50m (18 ft) under favourable conditions. Its branches bear 10cm (3.9 in) long, ovate, alternate, finely toothed leaves, which are medium green, turning yellow in autumn before falling. It usually blooms in May, before the leaves appear: numerous 3-4cm (1.2-1.6 in) long, trailing, white, four-petaled bells form along the length of the branches, grouped in small clusters of 3 to 6. They are followed by the formation of 4cm (1.6 in) long, winged, decorative fruits, green then brown, which persist on the branches in winter. Over time, the brown bark becomes light grey and flakes off.

Halesia carolina UConn thrives in a humid climate, in acidic, sandy, rich, moist, light soil in sunny or semi-shaded locations and sheltered from the wind. Enjoy its elegance in isolation in the middle of a lawn or combine it with large rhododendrons, witch hazels, styrax, Nyssa sylvatica, Caramel Tree, or pieris that have the same cultural requirements.

Tip: Halesia appreciates a humid environment during its growth, so spray the foliage of young plants after a very hot day.