Halesia Monticola Snowdrop Tree

Halesia Monticola, better known as Snowdrop Tree, is a large shrub often growing into a small deciduous tree with spring interest. Widely grown for its profuse display of white blossoms, this cultivar works well in mixed shrub borders but is at its best when planted as a specimen shrub or tree.

In the spring, the rounded crown of the Snowdrop Tree is engulfed in masses of nodding, bell-shaped blossoms, borne in clusters of 3 to 5 flowers. Their crisp white colour is beautifully contrasted against the emerging foliage, comprised of medium green toothed, ovate leaves. Although the leaves have an attractive yellow colour, they are early to drop. As the flowering season passes, blossoms mature to fruit, pear-shaped and 4-winged. 

Easy to grow and to care for, Snowdrop Tree will grow in any well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. However, for best results, plant this flowering tree in a dappled shade and moist, acidic, nutrient-rich soil. Even though this cultivar is quite tough, it will appreciate some shelter from harsh winds.

Native to the Southeastern United States, the Halesia family of trees is well accustomed to our climate. Fully hardy in the United Kingdom, Halesia Monticola can survive even if the temperatures drop to 15 degrees below zero. Rarely affected by any serious diseases or pests, this ornamental tree has a good performance in most gardens.

Low-maintenance, Halesia Monticola requires little effort to stay in top shape. Its natural form is bushy, and it can grow either as a multi-stem specimen or a single stem one, depending on how you trim it. To keep your plant neat and tidy, and its health optimal, routinely remove any dead or damaged shoots. Growing at an average rate and with a spreading habit, Snowdrop Tree can achieve a maximum size of 8 to 12 metres, with an ultimate width of approximately 4 to 8 metres. As it stays fairly compact as it matures, this deciduous cultivar is a good choice for small gardens.

A prolific bloomer with an attractive habit, Halesia Monticola is an ideal candidate for a specimen tree. Although its spring interest is its most notable feature, this attractive ornamental tree will add ornamental value to your garden for the better part of the year. In a mixed shrub border, use evergreen shrubs to enhance and complement its lovely display of white bell-shaped flowers.

Make sure to take a look at our collection of flowering plants and ornamental trees as well.