Japanese snowbell
© Great Plant Picks
Styrax japonicus 'Emerald Pagoda' was selected by the late J.C. Raulston at North Carolina State University and the U.S. National Arboretum. It was brought back as cuttings from Korea because the wild plant showed exceptional vigor and was markedly distinct from the native population. It is the most vigorous and largest flowered of the Styrax japonicus selections. The star-like flowers are one inch across and slightly fragrant and are almost more beautiful when they begin to drop and carpet the ground beneath the tree. This selection has larger than average leaves that are dark green and leathery in texture. It will grow as an understory tree or make a striking specimen in an open situation. Fall color is a luminous yellow. If grown in the woodland combine with ferns, hostas, Solomon's seal, epimediums and the like. This styrax selection is considered by some to be the most distinctive and striking.
Plant Type: tree
Growth Habit: columnar
Foliage Type: deciduous
Plant Height (10-year): 10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)
Plant Height-Mature: 30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 meters)
Plant Width-Mature: 20 ft. 0 in. (6.10 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 to 9
Flower Color: white
This lovely layered tree thrives in full sun or part shade. It does best with well-drained soil, but can tolerate sand or clay. Once established it only needs occasional watering during the summer. A yearly thinning of dead, weak and twiggy growth will keep this tree looking its best.
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden