Halesea carolina L.

Snowdrop tree or Silverbells

Family: Styracaceae

On the Templeton trail – Cultivated at Cranmore 1808

A multistem shrub or small tree from the South-East of the USA. Introduced in 1756 and gained an Award of Garden Merit from the RHS in 1954. It produces a mass of pendulous snowdrop-like flowers in early Spring followed by pear-shaped seed pods. Needs a well-drained, lime-free soil.

Planted in the Botanic Gardens on 30th June 2023 to mark the retirement of horticulturalist John Cassels after 48 years service with Belfast City Council.