Disporum megalanthum

Fairy Bells

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Disporum megalanthum – This rendition of Fairy Bells is a very handsome medium-sized species. Arching stems zigzag with broad elliptic semi-glossy green leaves with handsome longitudinal veins. Showy white bell flowers are followed with purplish fruit. Moderately spreading, colonizing. Though not well known we have found it easy of culture, very handsome and sadly under-utilized. Git 'er one! Established pot grown perennial by old-fashioned division.


Height:

24 in

Colors:

White

Characteristics and Attributes for Disporum megalanthum

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads

Nature Attraction

  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade
  • Dappled Shade

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Massing
  • Woodland

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Moist
  • Draining

Origins

  • China

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Disporum

The Fairy Bells are fantastic woodland denizens closely allied with Solomon Seal and Bellwort. Stems arise and often arch as with their relatives providing an elegant appearance which contrasts well with other shade loverss. Flowers, too, are often showy occurring at the terminal tips of stems as in Smilacina but each floret is more in the appearance of the bell-shaped flowers of Polygonatum (Solomon Seal) and Uvularia (Bellwort). They all prefer fertile soil high in organic matter in morning sun/afternoon shade, open shade or dappled light conditions. The following offerings are established pot-grown divisions from our plants.