Prosartes smithii

Common Names

Largeflower Fairybells, Smith's Fairy Bells, Fairy Bells, Fairy Lanterns

Summary

Prosartes smithii, commonly known as largeflower fairybells or fairy lanterns, is a North American native perennial in the lily family that grows in shady, moist woods from British Columbia to northern California, often forming a loose colony via creeping roots with arching stems bearing leaves clasping the stem and creamy white pendant bell-shaped flowers in spring followed by bright orange berries.

It favors partial to deep shade and consistently moist, humus-rich soils, tolerating clay, loam, or sand, and may become drought-tolerant once established with summer moisture management. Propagation can be by seed or division, and in cultivation seeds may require stratification; it is hardy to USDA zones 6a–9b and well-suited to woodland or shade gardens, cottage gardens, ground cover, or underplanting of roses and shrubs, with flowers attracting bees and hummingbirds.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-36 inches

Spread

4-19.5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full shade; tolerates partial shade and partial sun.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

acidic to neutral pH

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (April–June)

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and birds