Styrax japonica

Styrax japonica is a beautiful bush that, at the beginning of summer, is adorned with a multitude of fragrant, hanging white bells.

Originating from Japan, this medium-sized and medium-growing bush can reasonably reach 3-4 metres in height, with some older specimens even reaching up to 6-7 metres.

Very aesthetically pleasing, it has a spreading habit and its branches tend to grow horizontally; therefore, the Styrax japonica has a balanced silhouette that is pleasant to look at in all seasons. At the beginning of summer, it is adorned with a multitude of small, hanging white bell flowers adorned with a cluster of golden petals in the center. This contrast between horizontal branches and hanging flowers offers a sumptuous and highly graphic spectacle.

Its deciduous and glossy leaves are dark green on the top and bluish on the underside, turning yellow-orange in autumn. In late summer, the Styrax japonica bears small, dry drupes that are cream-white in colour.

Easy to grow, it thrives everywhere, in partial shade as well as in the sun, although it should be protected from the hottest hours of the day. It prefers rich, acidic, fresh, and light soil. Plant it as a solitary specimen or in the back of a flowerbed, but shelter it from cold and dominant winds.