About

A deciduous tree, up to 10m high, with oblong, glossy green leaves turning yellow or red in autumn. White flowers, with bright yellow stamens, hang down from the undersides of branches in early summer and midsummer, are followed by small round green fruits. This cultivar has larger leaves and flowers, and is more tough and tree-like than is typical for the species.

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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina, Japan

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich neutral or acidic soil, in full sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold drying winds, for example in a woodland garden
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer
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