Largeflower Fairybells
(Prosartes smithii)
Largeflower Fairybells (Prosartes smithii)
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joergmlpts
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
joergmlpts
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: joergmlpts | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: joergmlpts | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-07-22T14:03:47-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Prosartes smithii, commonly known as Largeflower Fairybells, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in the understory of moist, temperate coniferous and mixed-evergreen forests along the Pacific Northwest, including California, Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island. It typically grows up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall and features narrow, fuzzy stems. The leaves are wide, oval-shaped, and pointed, reaching up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length, and are mostly hairless. The plant is notable for its inflorescence of up to seven drooping, hanging flowers that may be obscured by the foliage. These flowers are cylindrical to bell-shaped, with six white to green-tinged tepals each up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) long, blooming in late spring to early summer. The fruit is an oval-shaped orange or red berry, just over 1 cm (0.4 inch) long, which can add visual interest in the garden.
Largeflower Fairybells are valued for their delicate, nodding flowers and attractive foliage. They are suitable for naturalistic plantings in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as understory plants in forested areas. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, they prefer part shade to full shade, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, they perform best with protection from intense afternoon sunlight. There are no major disease or pest issues, but they can be sensitive to drought and excessive heat.CC BY-SA 4.0
Largeflower Fairybells are valued for their delicate, nodding flowers and attractive foliage. They are suitable for naturalistic plantings in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as understory plants in forested areas. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, they prefer part shade to full shade, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, they perform best with protection from intense afternoon sunlight. There are no major disease or pest issues, but they can be sensitive to drought and excessive heat.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist, temperate coniferous and mixed-evergreen forests
Other Names
Common Names: Smith’s Fairy Lantern , Large-Flower Fairy-Bells , Smith’s Fairybells , Smith’s Mandarin , Large-Flowered Fairybells , Prosartès De Smith , Storblommig Felilja
Scientific Names: Prosartes smithii , Uvularia puberula , Disporum smithii , Disporum menziesii , Prosartes menziesii , Uvularia smithii
GBIF Accepted Name: Prosartes smithii (Hook.) Utech, Shinwari & Kawano