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Description
Prosartes Maculata, commonly known as spotted fairy bells, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. It is native to North America and can be found from Alaska to California, eastward to Montana and Colorado. The plant grows up to 90 cm tall and has a rhizome that produces multiple stems. The flowers are small and bell-shaped, pale greenish-white with purple spots. The fruit is a red berry that ripens in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Prosartes |
| Species: | Maculata |
Appearance
The spotted fairy bells have multiple stems that grow up to 90 cm tall. The leaves are alternate and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and a smooth edge. They measure up to 15 cm long and 7 cm wide. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and hang in clusters. They are pale greenish-white with purple spots and measure up to 1 cm long. The fruit is a red berry that ripens in late summer and measures up to 1 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Spotted fairy bells prefer a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They require partial to full shade and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C. Here are some care tips to help you grow healthy spotted fairy bells:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer to promote growth and flowering.Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Spotted fairy bells prefer partial to full shade.Hardiness Zones: Spotted fairy bells are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spotted fairy bells are generally pest and disease-resistant. However, they may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may also attack the plant. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Habitat
Spotted fairy bells are native to North America and can be found from Alaska to California, eastward to Montana and Colorado. They grow in moist, shaded areas such as coniferous forests, hardwood forests, and along streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can spotted fairy bells be grown in containers?A: Yes, spotted fairy bells can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with adequate moisture and partial to full shade.Q: How often should I fertilize my spotted fairy bells?A: Fertilize your spotted fairy bells twice a year, in the spring and mid-summer, with a slow-release fertilizer.Q: How do I propagate spotted fairy bells?A: Spotted fairy bells can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the rhizomes and separate them into smaller sections with a sharp knife or garden shears.Q: Are spotted fairy bells toxic to pets?A: Spotted fairy bells are not known to be toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep them out of reach.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same family as spotted fairy bells:- Clintonia uniflora- Disporum maculatum- Smilacina racemosa- Trillium ovatum
References
– “Prosartes maculata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282692.- “Spotted Fairy Bells.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fairy-bells/growing-spotted-fairy-bells.htm.- “Prosartes maculata.” Plant Finder, www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/1450.
