Largeflower Fairybells Prosartes smithii 'Rick' (v)
ABOUT
The plant known as Prosartes smithii 'Rick' (v), commonly referred to as largeflower fairybells, has a distinctive and attractive appearance. Its stems are slender and arching, providing a graceful structure to the plant. The leaves are broad and green, with a lance-shaped to oval form and a finely toothed edge, often appearing in pairs along the stem. Springtime brings the emergence of the plant's namesake large flowers. These blossoms are bell-shaped, dangling from the stem on slender stalks, and their coloring is a creamy white with subtle hints of green or yellow. Sometimes the flowers display an intricate speckling or fine lines inside, adding to their delicate beauty. As the flowering season progresses, the largeflower fairybells produce berries that start green but ripen to a rich, deep orange or red hue, offering a striking contrast against the green foliage. The plant creates a lush and enchanting presence in any garden or natural setting, with its combination of elegant leaves, charming blooms, and colorful fruit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Colchicaceae.
Synonyms
Smith's Fairybells, Largeflower Fairybells, Large-flowered Fairybells.
Common names
Disporum smithii, Prosartes lanuginosa, Prosartes smithii, Streptopus roseus var. smithii, Uvularia smithii.
ToxicityTo humans
Prosartes smithii 'Rick' (v), commonly known as Smith's fairybells, is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many wild plants, it is generally advisable not to ingest any part of plants unless they are known to be safe and are prepared correctly. In the absence of specific information regarding the toxicity of Smith's fairybells to humans, it's prudent to avoid consuming it to prevent any potential adverse effects.
To pets
Prosartes smithii 'Rick' (v), commonly referred to as Smith's fairybells, does not have a well-documented toxicity profile for pets such as dogs and cats. While there is no specific information regarding the toxicity of this particular variety of Smith's fairybells to pets, it's recommended to err on the side of caution and prevent pets from ingesting this or any unknown plant material. If a pet were to ingest Smith's fairybells and exhibit signs of illness, it would be important to consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Provides food and habitat for native wildlife, including insects and birds.
- Landscape Aesthetics: Adds natural beauty to gardens with its delicate flowers and foliage.
- Diversity: Contributes to biodiversity in planting schemes and natural ecosystems.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established in the right habitat.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil in woodland settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest across multiple seasons with its flowering and fruiting phases.
- Wildlife Food Source: Berries provide a source of food for birds and small mammals during certain seasons.
- Native Plant Advantages: Being native, it is well adapted to local climate and soil conditions, reducing the need for additional resources.
- Educational Value: Can be used in educational settings to teach about native flora and natural history.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Prosartes smithii 'Rick', commonly known as the Large-flowered Fairybells, has been used in landscaping for creating natural woodland garden aesthetics due to its nodding, bell-shaped flowers and lush green foliage.
- The plant's strong root system can help with soil stabilization on slopes or areas prone to erosion, making it useful in conservation efforts and habitat restoration projects.
- Its early spring flowers provide an important nectar source for early-season pollinators, including certain species of bees and butterflies seeking food after winter.
- Large-flowered Fairybells can be used in shaded rock gardens, where its delicate appearance contrasts with the ruggedness of the rocks and adds to the diversity of the planting.
- The plant can be employed as a natural backdrop in shady borders, with its arching stems offering a pleasing, soft green contrast to other shade-loving perennials.
- Dried stems of Prosartes smithii 'Rick' can be used in floral arrangements for a rustic and woodland-inspired aesthetic, giving a unique texture to the composition.
- In educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens, Large-flowered Fairybells can be included to teach about native flora and their role in local ecosystems.
- When grown en masse, they can create a charming groundcover in forest underplantings, ideal for large estates or parks that aim to have a diverse understory.
- Its presence in a garden can create a naturalistic setting that supports role-play and imaginative activities in educational or therapeutic environments, like sensory gardens for children.
- Photographers may value the plant for its photogenic qualities, using it as a subject in nature photography or as a backdrop for macro photography due to its intricate flower structure and patterns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Prosartes smithii, commonly known as the drooping star-of-Bethlehem, often grows in challenging environments such as shaded forest floors, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite adversity.
- Purity: The delicate, white flowers of the drooping star-of-Bethlehem can symbolize purity and innocence.
- Hope: Its springtime blooming can represent hope and the renewal of life as it heralds the end of winter and the beginning of a fertile season.
- Healing: Traditionally, some members of the same genus were considered to have medicinal properties, which can extend as a symbol for healing and recovery.
- New Beginnings: The drooping star-of-Bethlehem often goes dormant to survive the winter, symbolizing new beginnings and the power of rebirth as it returns each spring.
WaterThe common name for Prosartes smithii 'Rick' is Smith's fairybells. These plants prefer consistently moist soil, so it is important to water them regularly without making the soil waterlogged. A good rule of thumb for Smith's fairybells is to provide about 1 gallon of water every week, but this can vary depending on the climate and the plant's environment. During hot, dry periods, they may need more frequent watering, possibly twice a week. During the cooler months or in naturally damp environments, you can reduce the frequency. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to ensure the plant truly needs more moisture.
LightSmith's fairybells thrive best in partial to full shade environments. They should be positioned in a spot where they receive dappled sunlight throughout the day or are protected from the intense midday sun. Ideally, place them under a canopy of taller plants or trees, which mimics their natural woodland habitat.
TemperatureSmith's fairybells grow well within a temperature range of 50°F to 75°F, which is their ideal temperature range. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but will not tolerate temperatures above 80°F for prolonged periods. Keeping them in a location that falls within these temperature ranges will promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Smith's fairybells is generally not necessary, but if you need to tidy up the plant or remove any dead or damaged foliage, it is best to do so in the early spring before new growth begins. Pruning at this time rejuvenates the plant and encourages fresh, healthy growth. Lightly trim as needed to maintain the shape and health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDropwort thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining yet consistently moist, composed of a mixture of loam, sand, and a bit of peat or humus to retain some moisture. The optimal soil pH range for Dropwort is slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingDropwort does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted once every two to three years. This will minimize disturbance to its roots and help maintain steady growth.
Humidity & MistingThe preferred humidity level for Dropwort is moderate to high. Though it can adapt to various indoor conditions, it performs best with humidity levels around 50% or higher.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dropwort near a window with filtered light; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Dropwort in dappled sunlight and rich, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleProsartes smithii 'Rick' (v), commonly known as Smith's fairybell, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil in a shaded woodland environment. The seedling emerges in the spring, developing into a young plant with a single stem and a few leaves. As it matures, it forms a clump with multiple stems and broader leaves, producing small, bell-shaped flowers that hang from the upper leaf axils. These flowers are typically pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of berries by late summer to early fall, which are then dispersed by wildlife, continuing the seed dispersal cycle. Once established, Smith's fairybell enters a perennial phase, dying back each winter to the rhizome and re-emerging in the spring. After several years, the plant reaches full maturity and can begin the cycle anew by producing its own seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Prosartes smithii, commonly known as Smith's Fairybell, is generally propagated by division, a method that can be employed in late fall to early spring while the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Smith's Fairybell and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a piece of the rhizome and several shoots or buds. These divisions can then be replanted in a moist, well-drained soil, ideally in a shaded or partially shaded area that mimics their natural understory habitat. Care should be taken to plant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing to avoid stressing the plant and to water them consistently until they are established. This method is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness in expanding your garden with new plants that will have a high chance of survival and growth, mirroring the characteristics of the parent plant.
