Plant of the Month: Temple Bells

2 Temple bells Marty

by Master Gardener Alice Marty

For those of us that have lived in the north, Temple Bells' blossoms will bring Lily of the Valley to mind.  Southerners would call it a great evergreen winter bloomer.  This shrub keeps its compact form while covering itself with white fragrant blossoms in mid-winter. It thrives in sun or partial shade, but dislikes overly wet soil.  The blooms form on last year’s growth, so be mindful of that when you prune.  When transplanting, it can be difficult to establish so give it time.  Propagation of temple bells is best accomplished by sowing seed or by rooting cuttings in water. Be mindful that if ingested, the leaves and flowers of this plant have high severity poison characteristics.