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Herbaceous Perennial

Prosartes smithii

fairy lantern

A clump-forming perennial with bright green foliage and cream flowers in spring, followed by orange berries

Other common names
largeflower fairybells
Synonyms
Disporum smithii
Prosartes menziesii
see moreDisporum menziesii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Green
Summer Green Orange
Autumn Green Orange
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Liliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Prosartes are herbaceous perennials, arising from short rhizomes, with upright stems bearing alternate leaves and hanging, white or greenish-yellow flowers in pairs or small clusters

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a cool, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade or deep shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring or propagate by division of rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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