An ideal specimen for all but the smallest gardens, Styrax japonicus is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with an elegant, spreading habit and oval, open crown. The very pretty, pointed, oval to diamond-shaped leaves are glossy green, and come in early. They turn yellow with orange tints in autumn, the fallen leaves making a lovely pool of colour round the trunk. A profusion of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers with yellow stamens appear in summer, and are best appreciated from a seat under the tree. With its graceful habit, Japanese snowbell is an excellent tree for year-round interest, and needs very little pruning.
Site: Sheltered Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil Position: Full sun or partial shade Season of interest: Spring and autumn in particular Hardiness: Fully hardy Height: 25’ (7.5m) Spread: 25’ (7.5m) in 20 years
