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Prosartes smithii

largeflower fairybells

Liliaceae

W North America (BC to CA; moist coniferous/mixed forests, streambanks, shaded slopes; sea level to 5000 ft / 1500 m)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Prosartes smithii (formerly Disporum smithii) is a deciduous perennial reaching 12-24 inches (30-45 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm), spreading slowly by rhizomes to form loose colonies. The arching, unbranched stems bear alternate, ovate to lanceolate leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, medium green with prominent parallel veins, arranged along the upper half of the stem. Pendant, narrowly bell-shaped white to cream flowers 0.5-0.8 inch (13-20 mm) long hang in clusters of 1-5 from the stem tips in April-May. Bright orange to reddish-orange berries follow in late summer—the berries are fleshy, oval, 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm), and persist into autumn. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 5. A Pacific Northwest native woodland perennial—the arching stems with pendant white bells and bright orange fruits provide three-season interest.

Native Range

Prosartes smithii is native to western North America—from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California—in moist coniferous and mixed forests, streambanks, and shaded slopes from sea level to 5,000 feet (1,500 m).

Suggested Uses

Planted in shade gardens, woodland borders, or native plant gardens at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. Pacific Northwest native with three-season interest: white bells spring, bright orange berries late summer-autumn. Naturalizes in shade. Not suitable for full sun, dry sites, or hot climates.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Polygonatum odoratum (Solomon's seal) by the pendant clusters from stem tips (versus flowers from leaf axils along the stem) and the bright orange (versus blue-black) berries. Distinguished from Disporum spp. (Asian fairy bells) by the arching habit and the orange fruits. The arching stems with pendant white bells at the tips and bright orange berries from Pacific Northwest forests.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

gold

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Pendant narrowly bell-shaped white to cream flowers 0.5-0.8 inch (13-20 mm) long, in clusters of 1-5 from stem tips, April-May. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks. Bright orange to reddish-orange fleshy berries follow in late summer-autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to cream; pendant narrowly bell-shaped 0.5-0.8 inch; clusters of 1-5 from stem tips; Apr-May; bright orange berries follow

Foliage Description

Medium green; ovate to lanceolate 2-5 inches; prominent parallel veins; alternate on arching stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil (pH 5.0-7.0). Hardy to zone 5. Consistent moisture needed. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Tolerates dry shade once established in cool climates. Pacific Northwest native.