Styrax japonicus

Japanese Snowbell
Styrax japonicus
Type: Deciduous Tree
Exposure: Full Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

This excellent compact tree from Japan and Korea grows to a height and spread of 30 ft (9m), although in youth it’s typically narrower than it is high. Fresh green, pointed oval leaves unfurl in spring, which are closely followed by masses of sweetly fragrant, pure white bell-shaped blossoms which tend to point toward the ground; it’s a great tree to look up into (I’m thinking raised planting bed?). While the flowers face down, the leaves angle upward so the effect is of horizontal layering, especially in mature trees where the branching habit itself is more horizontal. The leaves will turn a yellow to red color in autumn. The flowers of Styrax obassia are more strongly scented than Styrax japonica.

Cheers,

John