Zabelia triflora, commonly known as Handmaiden's Tears, is a deciduous shrub native to the Himalayas, prized for its delicate, bell-shaped white to pinkish flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 7-9; prefers average room temperatures.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
This also helps to improve air circulation.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Insert cuttings into a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist and in a warm, humid environment. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks.
Can also be propagated from seed, sown in spring.
Repot young plants annually in spring, and mature plants every 2-3 years as needed. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with ample drainage holes.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil and perlite or sand.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Handmaiden's Tears (Zabelia triflora)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Zabelia |
| Species | Zabelia triflora |
Similar in genus Zabelia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
