About

This deciduous shrub or tree, with broad, rounded green leaves, coarsely toothed at the tips and with deeply impressed veins. scented, funnel-shaped white flowers are produced from the leaf axils and in downy clusters at the tips of the stems in 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
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toKorea and Japan
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationThrives in moist but 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 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