Styrax japonica

A beautiful small tree found growing in woods all over Japan, Styrax japonica develops wide, fan-shaped branches which are covered with cascades of bell-shaped, white flowers in summer. The leaves are small, pale green in spring / summer and turn yellow in a good crisp autumn before falling.

Styrax japonica grows to be an unusual and handsome garden tree which looks particularly good when branching out over ponds, streams or garden paths.

• Position: Sheltered in full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Moist, fertile, lime free soil. Will tolerate damp but well drained ground. Not suitable for waterlogged areas.
• Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. Styrax japonica requires shelter from cold winter winds.
• Flowering Period: June.
• Flower Colour: White
• Rate of Growth: Slow to moderate.
• Habit: Styrax japonica eventually grows to be a small branching tree with an open crown.
  • Height: up to 8 m (26 ft) in many years [up to 3 m (10 ft) after 10 years]
  • Spread: 6 m (20 ft) [up to 2.5 m (8 ft) after 10 years]

• Notes: This plant is also known as Styrax japonicus.