A Charming Little Tree

Snow-white blossoms of the aptly named Japanese snowbell tree.

Masses of softly fragrant flowers dangle from underneath the stems.

Bell-shaped flowers bear five petals and prominent golden stamens.

Japanese snowbell trees have a compact rounded canopy.

Ripening seed capsules in July.

Their flowers are loved by pollinators.

Their many branches tend to grow more horizontally than vertically.

A ripened seed capsule.

Birds use small twigs to build their nests in spring. Stellar jay pictured.

Flowers dangle whilst leaves aim for the sky.

Underneath their canopy.

Japanese snowbell trees have an attractive branching habit.

Common Name:  Japanese snowbell
Botanical Name:  Styrax japonicus
Form:    upright tree with compact rounded canopy
Family:  Styracaceae
Genus:  Styrax
Species: japonicus
Plant Type: deciduous flowering tree
Mature Size:  20 to 30 feet tall and wide
Growth: fast
Origin:  Japan, Korea, China
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
Foliage:  medium green, glossy, stand upright on stems, wider in the middle up to 3 “ long, sharply pointed, yellow fall colour
Flowers: May, June, mildly fragrant, showy, white, 5 petals, ¾” bell-shaped, waxy, hang in clusters,
Fruit: greenish-brown, olive-shaped drupes that persist into autumn, contains 1 seed
Stems:  horizontal branches, smooth grey bark develops fissures that expose attractive orange inner bark as it matures
Exposure:  sun to partial shade
Soil:  prefers organic rich, well drained
Uses:  accent, specimen, cottage garden, pollinator garden, cottage, broad borders
Attracts: pollinators
Invasive: no
Propagation:   seed, softwood cuttings
Pruning:  while dormant in winter
​Problems: no serious diseases or insects
Cultivars: ‘Pink Chimes’

Comments: 
The Japanese snowbell, Styrax japonicus, is a charming and showy small tree than dons masses of beautiful white flowers in May and June.
 
Unlike most flowering trees, the Japanese snowbell bears its flowers along the undersides of the many horizontal stems. Their softly fragrant white bell-shaped blossoms hang down in pendulous clusters. Their shiny green leaves sit aloft the stem angled towards the sky exposing the hanging blossoms to the many pollinating insects that adore their pollen bearing golden yellow stamens.
 
The Japanese snowbell tree is an elegant and well-behaved addition for all gardens. It’s small stature doesn’t overwhelm, and their fallen flowers become attractive garden confetti. Following the flowers, small egg-shaped drupes mature to a greenish-brown and contain one viable seed. Seedlings may appear; however, they are not considered invasive and are usually welcome.

Immature grey bark matures to reveal orange inner bark.

A very cute Pink Chimes Japanese snowbell tree doesn't disappoint.

Pink clouds of flowers of the Pink Chimes Japanese snowbell tree.

Japanese snowbell trees become pretty confetti.

A Japanese snowbell tree looks good even in the winter.

Pink Chimes Japanese snowbell trees