Halesia tetraptera J.Ellis
Fully hardy, spreading tree or shrub with finely toothed, elliptic leaves, to 16cm long, turning yellow in autumn, and axillary clusters of 2-6 pendant, bell-shaped white flowers, to 2cm long, in profusion in late spring, just before the leaves emerge. To 8m. [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’, Don].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This fine shrub [Halesia tetraptera] was named in honour of the learned and venerable Stephen Hales, D.D. F.R.S. by John Ellis, Esq. who first raised it in this country from seeds sent over by Dr. Alexander Garden, in 1756. It is a native of South-Carolina, where it grows by the sides of rivulets shaded by wood. Is perfectly hardy. Flowers in April and May; but not with us, as in America, entirely before the appearance of the leaves. Propagated by seeds, and as these, in favourable seasons, are not unfrequently perfected here, we are surprised that a shrub of so much beauty should not be more generally met with in our pleasure-grounds. According to Dr. Garden, the fruit is also very pleasant to the taste.’ [BM t.910/1806].
‘It bears our climate very well, and flowers in the month of May. […] It cannot well be increased, excepting by seed, which must be obtained from its native country: they are very hard, and sometimes will remain two years in the ground before they vegetate.’ [LBC no.1173/1827].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.535/1843].
Notes
Published Mar 17, 2009 - 05:24 PM | Last updated Mar 21, 2010 - 04:23 PM
Halesia tetraptera J.Ellis | BM t.910/1806 | BHL
| Family | Styracaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Southern USA, Central America |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Silver bells, Snowdrop tree |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Halesia tetraptera - Snowdrop tree |
| Confidence level | high |