Prosartes smithii

RHS Plant Profile
largeflower fairybells

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largeflower fairybells RHS 1999
largeflower fairybells RHS 1999
largeflower fairybells RHS 2007

Other common names

fairy lantern, Smith's fairy bells

Synonyms

Disporum menziesii, Disporum smithii, Prosartes menziesii

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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Liliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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