oconee bells
Shortia galacifolia
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size4 to 8 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Oconee bells (Shortia galacifolia) is a perennial for shade gardens, woodland settings, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The shiny, round leaves stay green all year and turn bronze in the fall. Each 4 inch stem bears one large white flower with frilled petals. It is slow to spread, so give it time to settle in.
Pairs well with Mountain laurel, Rosebay rhododendron, Lady fern, and Woodland phlox.
Native range
GA, NC, SC, TN, and 1 more places. See all 5
GA, NC, SC, TN, and VA.