Photo of Prosartes smithii flower, foliage by J.G. in SF

Photo by J.G. in SF

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Prosartes smithii

Also Known As

  • Disporum smithii
  • Fairy Bells
  • Fairy Lanterns

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 1'-2'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Prosartes smithii plant details

Prosartes smithii is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring green and white flowers emerge followed by orange fruit. Attracts bees, birds and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Prosartes smithii

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: colchicaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: green and white blooms in spring
Uses: unique, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Prosartes smithii

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

"Drooping ivory bugles" (AT Johnson) decorate much-branched clumps of fresh green foliage, spring into summer, on this western native of moist evergreen woods, before turning into bright(!) orange berries in fall. PSh-Sh/M
Uncommon Fairybells, arching, upright, wiry stems 1-2’ tall on creeping roots create a loose colony over time. Herbaceous perennial; leaves layer nicely on stems. Creamy narrow white flowers in clusters dangle from stems in late spring, enjoyed by bees. Orange fruits follow in late summer - very showy. Best in deep, moist soils in light/dappled shade; but takes sand, clay and some drought. Pacific Northwest NATIVE. Resistant to slugs, snails.
Blooms: spring, creamy white/ green alternate foliage Zone 4-9. 12"-32", PNW, part shade-shade, moist, well drained
A NW native at home in moist woodland settings where the branched stems are hung with pale bell-shape flowers in spring and are followed in summer by attractive orange fruit. Great with Ferns, Trilliums, Epimediums, Arisaemas and countless other woodlanders.
Charming greenish-white pendent lanterns on fine arching stems. Bright orange fruits hand like ornaments in the late summer. 2' tall perennial.

Gardening facts about Prosartes smithii plant

How to Grow Prosartes smithii

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Fruit

    • orange
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • green
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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