Halesia carolina Sunburst

Sunburst Silverbell

Halesia carolina ‘Sunburst’ is a striking variegated form of Carolina Silverbell valued for its bright foliage and graceful spring flowers. Leaves emerge with bold yellow to chartreuse variegation in spring, mature to green with creamy-yellow highlights through summer, and may develop soft yellow tones in fall, while abundant, bell-shaped white flowers hang beneath the branches in mid-spring, creating a delicate display. Its combination of foliage interest and flowers makes it an excellent focal point in the landscape.

Type: Deciduous tree

Mature Size:
Width: 15–25 ft
Height: 20–30 ft
(10-year size: approx. 10–15 ft tall × 8–12 ft wide)

USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Form: Upright to rounded, often multi-stemmed
Light: Partial shade to full sun (best color with some protection from hot afternoon sun)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; prefers rich organic matter
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Wildlife: Attracts bees (flowers)


Features & Landscape Uses


Bright variegated foliage for season-long interest



Showy white bell-shaped flowers in spring



Graceful, woodland-style tree



Excellent specimen for shade gardens




Care
Plant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with organic matter. Provide protection from intense afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Prune lightly after flowering if needed. Generally low-maintenance and pest-resistant.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

15-25'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Cream

Leaf color

Green, Vanilla

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Clump, Rounded, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No