Styrax japonicus
5 seeds
"Japanese snowbell"
Japanese snowbell is a compact, deciduous flowering tree with horizontal branching and a rounded crown. It typically grows to 20-30¿ tall and as wide, but infrequently can reach up to 50¿ tall. It is noted for its extremely beautiful pendulous clusters of bell-shaped, fragrant, 5-petaled, waxy white flowers (each to 3/4¿ diameter) that bloom in May-June. Drooping flower clusters are easily visible because of the upward posture of the foliage. Leaves angle upward from branches while flowers hang down, giving effect of parallel green and white tiers. Flowers give way to greenish-brown, olive-shaped drupes that often persist into late autumn. Gray bark fissures on older branches to reveal orange inner bark which can be attractive in winter. Elliptic-ovate, glossy, medium to deep green leaves (to 3¿ long). Fall color is usually insignificant; however leaves may sometimes turn yellow to red. This tree is in the same family as and closely related to Halesia (silverbell).
Bloom Color: White
Flower/Fruit: Clusters of bell-shaped, fragrant, 5-petaled, waxy white flowers.
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Fall Color: yellow, often with a reddish cast
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Site Requirements/ Soil tolerances: Best grown in organically rich, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
Culture: Prune as needed in winter to shape.
Uses: Small landscape tree for lawns or patio areas. Gorgeous specimen and border tree, though not well known.
Sowing Styrax japonicus Seeds:
Japanese Snowbell seed need a warm spell then a cold spell in order to mature the embryo and reduce the seed coat.
Scarify: Soak 24 hours
Stratify: Warm 120 Days, Cold 120 days, 40 Degrees F
Germination: Sow 3/8¿ deep
