Halesia carolina 'Rosea'
Pink Mountain Silverbell

Previously known as: Halesia monticola 'Rosea'

Family:

Styracaceae (Storax Family) 4

Genus:

Halesia (Silverbell) 3

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 571

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 251

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 836

Flower Notes:

Pink (Spring; pendulous pale pink bell-shaped flowers in clusters of 5)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Summer foliage); Yellow (Fall foliage)

Fruit Notes:

Yellow (4-winged fruit; fall)

Ultimate Height:

40-60 feet

Ultimate Spread:

20-30 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers acidic soil that's not too wet or too dry

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are alternate, simple, 2-5" long and half as wide, ovate to elliptic, finely serrated, glabrous dark green above, and pubescent below. Look for the interesting 4-sided winged pods. No terminal buds. Lateral buds are stalked. Halesia monticola is larger in flower, fruit, and habit (40-80') than H. carolina. H.carolina and H. monticola are very similar otherwise, and some authors do not consider these separate species.

Special Characteristics:

Patio Tree 128

Shade Tree 181

Specimen 630

Additional Information

The Pink Mountain Silverbell is interesting in bloom (pale pink flowers), rather neutral otherwise, but relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Flowers and fruits are larger than the related species H. carolina. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).