Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
The Japanese Snowbell is a graceful, upright small to medium tree with arching spreading branches. With lower branches removed, it forms a more vase-shaped patio-sized shade tree. The smooth, attractive bark has orange-brown interlacing fissures adding winter interest to any landscape. The medium to dark green leaves are 1 to 3 inches long and 1 ½ inches wide. They turn to yellow or sometimes red in the fall.
It is the clusters of white bell shaped flowers coming in May into June that give this tree its name. The petite ¾ inch wide slightly fragrant flowers appear as singles or in clusters. There is a pink cultivar available.
Japanese Snowbell Choices
Emerald Pagoda is a larger plant than is the species, having larger flowers and foliage and a vase shaped habit. Pink Chimes is a pink flowered form. Pendula (Carillon) hardy only to Zone 6, is a semi-weeping and has impressive flowers and foliage. It can be staked to encourage the weeping habit.
