Species fairy bells
yellow flowers and green leaves with green veins on green-gray stems

fairy bells

Disporum lutescens

Fairy bells (Disporum lutescens) are an amazing plant species prized for their delicate yellow blooms and elegant arching stems. They thrive in well-draining soils in woodlands or partial shade, and create canopies over woodland pathways. Bright green leaves are cherry tipped and fragrant flowers appear in springtime and make a beautiful addition to your garden. These robust perennials are suitable for planting in most climates, including in zones 4-8. They have a graceful and elegant beauty that lends itself nicely to woodland pathways and forest gardens. Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your landscape or some unique seasonal interest, fairy bells are an excellent choice.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Fairy bells need to be watered approximately every 7-10 days when the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried out. During the spring and summer months, they will need more frequent watering. During the cooler months, watering can be reduced, but be sure not to let the soil dry out completely. In hot, dry environments, additional water may be needed. Soil moisture should be checked to ensure the plants do not become overly dry. Overall, Fairy Bells prefer consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to become overly dry or soggy.

sunlight

Fairy bells (Disporum lutescens) does best when grown in partial to full shade. It is native to woodlands in Japan and North America, so it is well adapted to growing in partial or complete shade. Fairy bells should receive anywhere from 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, during the hottest summer months, it may be better to provide this species with dappled shade or filtered sunlight instead of full sun all day, as exposure to too much sun may cause the plants to become scorched or wilted.

pruning

Fairy bells should be pruned in late spring to early summer. Prune the main stem after blooming to encourage a fuller, bushier growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches at any time of the year. Remove unproductive canes in winter if necessary. In late spring or summer, you can selectively thin out the interior branches by 30-50%, but don't remove more than half of the foliage. This will help to open up the center and allow more light and air circulation, resulting in a bushier and thicker looking shrub. Be sure to sterilize any pruning tools you use to avoid spreading diseases.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Fairy bells typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map