Family: Styracaceae
Common Name: Snowdrop Tree

Native to eastern North America and China, these five species of deciduous shrubs or small trees are grown mainly for their clusters of attractive white, bell-shaped flowers which appear during spring. These are superb plants for a woodland garden or shrub border.

Species

H. carolina is a spreading tree, to 6-8 m (20-26 ft), with slender, pointed leaves, downy gray underneath, which colour yellow in autumn. In mid to late spring it is covered in masses of drooping, bell-shaped, white flowers. Small winged fruits follow in autumn.

H. monticola is a fast-growing tree, to 12 m (40 ft), with a profu­sion of much larger white flowers. The form rosea has pink flowers.

Cultivation

Halesias need a rich soil containing plenty of humus and which retains moisture, yet is well drained. It should be acid or neutral. Give partial shade or full sun with shelter from wind. Propagate from seed in autumn in warmth, followed after eight weeks by a cold spell, or by layering in spring.

Climate

Zone 5.