Overview
Disporum smithii is a perennial herb in the genus Disporum, part of the Liliaceae family. Disporum smithii grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils. It is native to western North America.
About the genus
Disporum is a genus of about 20 species of perennial flowering plants, found in Asia from northern India to Japan, south to Indonesia and north into the Russian Far East.
Wikipedia contributors, "Disporum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Disporum
In the garden
A perennial herb of the lily family, Disporum smithii (largeflower fairybells) comes from western North America and is adapted to shaded, cool sites. It flowers in the UK between May and July, providing late-spring to early-summer interest when placed out of direct sun. Provide a position in partial shade or full shade with soil that remains moist but drains freely; consistently wet, waterlogged ground should be avoided. A leafy mulch helps retain moisture and moderates soil temperature through the season. In cultivated settings it suits shaded shrub borders, woodland-style plantings and the dappled shade beneath trees where moisture can be maintained. Allow space for its clumps to develop and plan for the May to July flowering period to contribute to the understory sequence of bloom rather than the high-summer display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Disporum
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
Plant details
Disporum smithii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Native to
- western North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Disporum smithii
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Disporum smithii?
Disporum smithii prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Disporum smithii need?
Disporum smithii grows best in moist and well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I propagate Disporum smithii?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Disporum genus
- Disporum 'Night Heron'Fairy Bells
- Disporum sessilesessile fairy bells
- Disporum sessile 'Variegatum'Fairy Bells
- Disporum pullumFairy Bells