About
A small to mid-sized deciduous shrub with a bushy, branching habit and papery, slightly serrated oval green leaves that are tapered at the tips, and sometimes flushed pink when young. Produces small clusters of pendent, bell-shaped white flowers from late spring to early summer, followed by downy grey seed pods.
About the genus
Styrax can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with simple, alternate leaves and nodding bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers in spring or summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist but well-drained, loamy, acid to neutral soil, in full or afternoon sun. Provide shelter from cold drying winds
PruningPruning group 1; flowers are produced on the previous year's growth
PropagationPropagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in summer, or by grafting in winter. Seeds require a period of warm followed by a period of cold to germinate
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility