Styrax obassia (Fragrant Snowbell)
Fragrant Snowbell
Very showy and desirable, Styrax obassia (Fragrant Snowbell) is a small, upright deciduous tree or large shrub of rounded habit with multi-season interest. In late spring to early summer, masses of fragrant, bell-shaped, glistening white flowers with showy golden-yellow stamens, appear in pendulous racemes, up to 8 in. long (20 cm). Despite flowering after the leaves have fully emerged, the sheer volume of flowers creates a stunning display. The bold foliage of large, broadly-ovate or rounded, dark green leaves, transitions to golden yellow in the fall. The smooth gray bark exfoliates on older specimens, revealing orange-brown vertical fissures that add winter interest. A great patio tree where fragrance, flowers and bark can be enjoyed.
- Grows slowly up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15-25 ft. wide (4-8 m)
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds. Once established, it only needs occasional watering during the summer
- Perfect as a specimen plant or for beds and borders. Great flowering tree for cottage gardens or woodland gardens.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Prune in winter to control shape.
- Propagate from seed or by softwood cuttings
- Native to Japan
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Styrax |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall Winter |
Height | 20' – 30' (6m – 9m) |
Spread | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Plant Image Library and Sen Itto (Flickr)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Styrax |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall Winter |
Height | 20' – 30' (6m – 9m) |
Spread | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |