Overview

Styrax japonicus 'Snowfall' is a bushy trees in the genus Styrax, part of the Styracaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Styrax japonicus 'Snowfall' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.

About

Styrax japonicus 'Snowfall' is a deciduous, well-branched tree in the Styracaceae prized for its massed flowering in May to June. It prefers a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade and thrives in moist but well‑drained loam, clay or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. The habit is compact and spreading, making it suitable for smaller garden settings as well as larger beds. After flowering it sets small fruits that follow the display.

About the genus

Styrax is a genus of about 130 species of large shrubs or small trees in the family Styracaceae, mostly native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority in eastern and southeastern Asia, but also crossing the equator in South America. The resin obtained from the tree is called benzoin or storax, often used as a vanilla-like component in perfumery.

Wikipedia contributors, "Styrax", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Styrax

In the garden

Styrax japonicus 'Snowfall' is a deciduous member of the Styracaceae, originating from East Asia and cultivated widely in temperate gardens for its seasonal floral display. It typically forms a well-branched, spreading tree suited to sheltered positions rather than exposed sites. Planting space should allow room for a rounded crown while keeping it protected from harsh winds. Select a position in full sun or partial shade on a south-, east- or west-facing aspect. The tree favours moist but well-drained soils and tolerates loam, clay or sand so long as the soil is not waterlogged; acid to neutral pH is preferred. It is classed H5 (hardy), so it withstands normal UK winters provided it is not left in exposed, windy situations. Styrax japonicus 'Snowfall' works well in a woodland-style border, a cottage or informal garden and as a specimen for flower borders and beds where its seasonal blooms can be appreciated. Once established it is relatively low maintenance: position carefully, give shelter from prevailing winds and avoid drought stress in dry summers. The bell-like flowers appear in May to June and are followed by small olive-shaped drupes that add a late-season note.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Styrax

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Clay, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Styrax japonicus 'Snowfall' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Trees

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Woodland garden, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Styrax japonicus 'Snowfall'

Propagation

Softwood cuttings in summer, Seed sown fresh at 15°C reducing the temperature to 0 to 5°C after 3 months

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

Frequently asked questions