Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina) adds a graceful touch to gardens with its clusters of drooping, bell-shaped white flowers in spring and clear yellow leaves in autumn. The hanging white flowers draw bees, while songbirds enjoy the seeds that follow. The tree typically reaches 30 to 40 feet tall, forming a loose, spreading crown that can provide dappled shade in smaller landscapes. Its smooth gray bark and delicate blooms create a serene atmosphere. Though not evergreen, it offers multi-season interest, from spring blooms and summer foliage to autumn’s golden tones.
Carolina Silverbell is native to the southeastern United States and tolerates various pH levels and partial shade. This small to medium-sized tree complements both formal and woodland-style plantings. Plant a single specimen to anchor a courtyard, group several at the forest’s edge, or add it to a mixed border with rhododendrons and azaleas. Its moderate growth rate and general disease resistance keep upkeep to a minimum.
Carolina Silverbell Care
Plant Carolina Silverbell in part sun to full sun, though partial shade often helps retain soil moisture. Choose a location with rich, fertile soil and consistent moisture, particularly during the establishment phase. If your soil tends to be alkaline, consider adding organic matter to raise acidity slightly. Water newly planted trees regularly, especially in periods of drought, then reduce watering as roots develop. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help spur growth without harming beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
Light pruning is typically enough for shaping and is best done once the tree has finished flowering or in midsummer. Remove any weak, crossing, or damaged branches to maintain a strong, open crown. If grown in a container, pick a pot that can accommodate its root system; however, in-ground planting is generally recommended for a mature Carolina Silverbell. To prepare it for winter, consider using a layer of mulch around the drip line to moderate soil temperatures and conserve moisture.
Carolina Silverbell Spacing
Allow 15 to 20 feet between young trees if planting multiple specimens for a decorative cluster or to frame a shady border. When planting a single tree near a home or walkway, keep at least 25 feet of clearance to accommodate its spreading crown. If grown in a container during the first few years, opt for a pot around 18-20 inches in diameter, upping the size as roots expand.
- SKU:
- 1231021046-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.