Styrax japonica Snowfall - Japanese Snowbell

The Styrax japonica 'Snowfall' is one of those unfairly unknown plants despite its ornamental interest. However, this variety of Japanese Styrax is a gem for the garden! This bush, well suited to small spaces, produces a particularly abundant white flowering in late spring in the form of small pendulous bells with a slight fragrance. And when autumn arrives, its deciduous foliage takes on beautiful yellow and orange colours to end the season in beauty. Hardy, this Styrax thrives in full sun or partial shade in moist, neutral, or acidic soil.

Native to Japan but also Korea, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, it grows in humid forests on hillsides or mountains, in climates with hot summers. The Japanese Styrax is a deciduous bush of the Styracaceae family, composed of trees and shrubs with aromatic resin. Quite secretive, this plant family is not well represented, except for the Halesia carolina, the other genera being found only among collectors or in botanical gardens. 

'Snowfall' is a horticultural variety selected for its abundant flowering, produced by the plant from a young age. It is a large bush that, after ten years, will reach 3m in height and 2m in width. Eventually, it will reach a height of 4-5m and a spread of 3-4m. It usually forms a short trunk, which branches relatively low, with upright branches forming an angle of about 45° with the trunk. The multiple branches create a dense crown, as wide as it is tall, with a slightly irregular appearance. It has a somewhat wild silhouette and is easily integrated into a natural garden. The dark grey bark is not particularly decorative but contrasts pleasantly with the white flowering. The dark green leaves, slightly glossy on the upper side, have a lanceolate to elliptical shape with a pointed tip. Carried by short petioles, they are small, measuring 4 to 5cm long, sometimes a little more.

From late May or June, and for approximately one month, the Styrax is covered with small white flowers. About 2cm in diameter, these flowers open into charming little bells, with the corolla deeply divided into five lobes. Grouped in small clusters of 3 to 6, they hang lazily at the end of a slender peduncle, giving them a pronounced elegance and romantic charm. The flowering is followed in late summer and autumn by fruits (drupes) similar to small grey olives. Finally, the foliage takes on beautiful yellow or orange colours before falling due to the first autumn cold.
This miniature tree is very hardy (-20°C) and can be planted in full sun, although it will appreciate partial shade in hot regions. It particularly dislikes drought and limestone.

This Styrax 'Snowfall' will generally thrive under the same conditions as Hydrangea macrophylla, with which it will perfectly coexist in a flower bed while adding a touch of originality. You can also associate it with Oxydendron arboreum or Sourwood, which is equally unknown. This bush of the same dimensions produces a summer flowering that will take over from the Styrax in the form of long, pendulous clusters of tiny white bells. In autumn, the foliage turns fiery red, enhancing your scene alongside the golden autumnal livery of the Styrax. At their feet, plant some Hydrangeas (Hydrangea), which will allow you to extend the flowering period of your flower bed with an almost inexhaustible choice of shapes and colours...