About
A deciduous shrub or tree, with elliptic, dark green leaves, coarsely toothed or sometimes lobed at the tips. Grown as a shrub this species can reach around 3m, or as a tree up to 9m high. Clusters of perfumed, pendent white flowers are produced at the tips of the stems in late spring and early summer.
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, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSE China, Taiwan
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, neutral to acid, moist but well-drained soil, in sun or part shade with protection from strong winds and hard frosts. An attractive specimen tree for warmer regions
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
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