Styrax japonicus Pink Chimes

Styrax japonica 'Pink Chimes' is a refined small bush for plant enthusiasts. Still relatively uncommon, this recent variety of Japanese Styrax stands out for its small, pale pink bell-shaped flowers. Highly fragrant, they hang delicately in small clusters, giving this bush a charm imbued with romance. And to finish the season beautifully, it adopts a yellow or orange autumnal dress that is quite impressive. 

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Japanese Styrax is a deciduous bush from the Styracaceae family, composed of trees and aromatic resinous shrubs. This plant family is not well represented in Europe, with the exception of Halesia carolina, the other genera being found only among collectors or in botanical gardens. Among the Styrax used for ornamental purposes, we also find S. obassia, which forms a medium-sized tree, and occasionally Aliboufier (S. officinalis) which, curiously for a Styrax, tolerates limestone. Styrax japonica, on the other hand, is a large ornamental bush that prefers partial shade and cool, humus-rich, non-alkaline soil. In recent years, cultivars with reduced growth and more colorful foliage have been developed.

The 'Pink Chimes' Styrax stands out for the colour of its flowering - not white, but pale pink, which brings a refreshing touch to the genus. It is a tall bush or small tree that, after 10 years, will reach a height of 2.50 m (8,2ft) and a width of 1.80 m (6ft). Eventually, it will reach a height of 4 m (13ft) with a spread of 2.50 m (8,2ft). These reasonable dimensions allow for planting even in small flowerbeds or as a standalone feature on the lawn of a small-sized garden, especially since its growth is slow.

It has an erect, more or less spreading and rounded habit, with a beautiful density of branches. In June-July, it is covered with terminal clusters of small pendulous bell-shaped flowers, pale pink in colour, with a darker pink base. A bouquet of yellow stamens adorns the centre of these charming little flowers. The foliage is a vibrant green, consisting of narrow and elongated leaves. In autumn, the foliage takes on beautiful shades of yellow-orange. This miniature tree is 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.

Styrax Pink Chimes generally thrives under the same conditions as Hortensia macrophylla, with which it will coexist perfectly in a flowerbed while bringing a touch of originality. It belongs to a group of plants that, without being true ericaceous plants, enjoy a fresh atmosphere and non-alkaline, humus-rich soils that retain moisture in summer. In a large space you can plant it alongside a Nyssa sylvatica, another highly underrated tree with great ornamental value due to its autumnal colours. In a smaller area, Oxydendron arboreum will also be a good companion, with its small white bell-shaped flowers in long clusters in summer and its magnificent autumnal hues. Keeping with less common plants, you could also combine with a Sarcococca, a small-sized bush with fragrant winter flowering, and in the background why not take advantage of the magic of Hamamelis, with its spider-like winter blooms and explosion of autumnal colour?