About
A deciduous shrub, low-growing in its native environment but often larger in cultivation, with obovate, papery lime green leaves that are slightly serrated at the tips and coated with fine silvery felt underneath. Produces clusters of pendent white flowers in spring, followed by rounded, hairy 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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina (Sichuan, Yunnan)
Care notes
CultivationThrives in well-drained, loamy, acid to neutral soil, in full or afternoon sun. Provide shelter from cold drying winds
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in summer, or by grafting in winter
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