Fairy lanterns | Prosartes smithii (Disporum smithii)

Two white, bell-shaped flowers hanging from a leafy plant.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
A lush green plant with white bell-shaped flowers growing in a garden.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Two white, bell-shaped flowers hanging from a leafy plant.
A lush green plant with white bell-shaped flowers growing in a garden.

This sweet perennial forb thrives in shady, moist areas of forest understories or woodland gardens. White, elongated flowers that look like downturned lanterns appear in March. Foliage persists year round.

 

Plant Details

Habitat Forest understories (moist, coastal, montane)
 Phenology Perennial; Flowering March-July
Shade Preference Part shade to full shade
Soil Tolerance Moist to well-drained soils