Also known as Fairy Bells · 167 gardener saves
Disporum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Disporum, the genus most gardeners know as fairy bells. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Disporum varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedDisporum Cantoniense Fairy Bells
Disporum cantoniense
#2 most savedVariegated Disporum
Disporum smilacinum 'Aureovariegata'
#3 most savedVariegated Japanese Fairy Bells
Disporum sessile 'Kinga'
Korean Fairy Bells
Disporum flavens
Variegated Disporum
Disporum pullum 'Variegatum'
Japanese Fairy Bells
Disporum sessile 'Tightwad'
Variegated Japanese Fairy Bells
Disporum sessile 'Kinsei'
How to grow Disporum
What the Disporum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Disporum year
- DivideMarch, September and October100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years in early fall if vigor declines.
- Spring CleanupFebruary71% of varieties
Cut back old stems and foliage before new shoots emerge.
- MulchMarch and October57% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to help retain soil moisture.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October57% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall.
- FertilizeMarch57% of varieties
Top-dress with compost or leaf mold in early spring.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune back after flowering to maintain shape
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide partial to full shade in hot climates
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Do not expose to direct harsh sunlight in peak summer
- Avoid disturbing roots during dormant period
- Refrain from heavy pruning during late fall
What goes wrong with Disporum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Apply iron phosphate bait or handpick at night |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Disporum
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall.
- Plant divisions at same depth as parent.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Seed
- Collect seeds after seed capsules mature
- Sow in moist, well-drained seed-starting mix
- Keep soil consistently moist and in shade
- Germination occurs in 4–8 weeks
- Transplant seedlings when large enough
Disporum questions
How many types of Disporum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Disporum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 167 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Disporum grow in?
Across its varieties, Disporum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Disporum bloom?
Most Disporum varieties bloom in late spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Disporum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Disporum shows up in
Design with Disporum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
