Photo: Laura J. CostelloCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Smith's Fairbells Plant Care
Prosartes smithii (Hook.) Utech, Shinwari & Kawano
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its distinctive whorled leaves that resemble spokes on a wheel. Originally from the Pacific Northwest region of North America, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and delicate white flowers that bloom in spring.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Smith's Fairbells?
Water Smith's Fairbells every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Smith's Fairbells Native To?
What Is the Smith's Fairbells?
Smith's Fairbells (Prosartes smithii) belongs to the Liliaceae family within the Prosartes genus. Smith's Fairbells is native to western North America from Vancouver Island in British Columbia south as far as Monterey County in California.
Smith's Fairbells displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Smith's Fairbells produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of white or green.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smith's Fairbells?
Prosartes smithii requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Smith's Fairbells Need?
Smith's Fairbells thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Smith's Fairbells in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smith's Fairbells Prefer?
Prosartes smithii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Smith's Fairbells prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smith's Fairbells?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Smith's Fairbells to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smith's Fairbells?
Feed Smith's Fairbells every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Smith's Fairbells?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Smith's Fairbells?
Smith's Fairbells can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hooker's fairybells plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smith's Fairbells Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smith's Fairbells, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Smith's Fairbells?
Smith's Fairbells is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Smith's Fairbells Need?
Smith's Fairbells grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Smith's Fairbells is native to western North America from Vancouver Island in British Columbia south as far as Monterey County in California.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Smith's Fairbells is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Prosartes genus — compare its care with other Prosartes species on PlantoScan.
Prosartes is part of the Liliaceae plant family — browse all Liliaceae genera and species.
Smith's Fairbells copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Prosartes smithii (Hook.) Utech, Shinwari & Kawano, family Liliaceae (first published in Taxon 43: 364. 1994) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smith's Fairbells, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Laura J. Costello, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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