Halesia carolina var. monticola

Halesia carolina var. monticola, also known as Halesia monticola, is a deciduous small tree commonly called the Carolina Silverbell or Snowdrop Tree for its white, drooping bell-shaped flowers. It also offers beautiful golden autumn foliage and grey bark that peels over time. Its habit, initially rounded, becomes an irregular parasol shape over time. Showcase it by pruning it close to the ground to form multiple trunks, plant it in a grove, or in the centre of a shrub border. This tree thrives only in acidic, humus-bearing soils that remain moist in summer.

Halesia carolina var. monticola belongs to the Styracaceae family, a cousin of Styrax. This botanical species is native to forests in the southern United States, particularly the Appalachian region, which earned it the name of Mountain Silverbell. In the wild, this tree grows on slopes, in open forests, and along forest edges, alongside the Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) and the Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). It prefers deep, humus-bearing, neutral to acidic soils that are consistently moist to wet, yet well-drained. Closely related to Halesia carolina, this species distinguishes itself by its larger size and flowers.

The Halesia monticola naturally forms multiple trunks supporting a flexible, spreading canopy that is wider than it is tall. Pruning can be done to maintain one or two main trunks, although its irregular habit does not lend itself well to pruning. It has a rather slow growth rate, reaching an average height of 5m and a spread of 8.50m. Its flexible branches bear ovate, alternate, finely toothed leaves that are 10cm long. They are medium green in color, turning yellow in autumn before falling. It typically blooms in early May, abundantly, just before or at the same time as the leaves emerge. Clusters of 3 to 5 drooping bell-shaped flowers, measuring 3-4cm in length and 2.5cm in diameter, form along the length of the branches. They are white with four petals and emerge from pink buds. After pollination, decorative winged fruits develop, starting off green and turning brown, which persist on the branches throughout winter. Over time, the brown bark becomes grey and peels off.

The Halesia monticola thrives in humid climates, in acidic, sandy, rich, moist, light soils, in sunny or partially shaded locations sheltered from strong winds. Enjoy its elegance as a solitary tree in the middle of a lawn or combine it with large rhododendrons, witch hazels, styrax, or magnolias that have similar cultural requirements.

Tips: Silverbells appreciate a humid environment during their growth, so mist the foliage of young plants after hot days.