Styrax japonicus 'Fragrant Fountain' - Fragrant Fountain Japanese Snowbell

A very dainty small accent tree, featuring delicate, white bell-shaped flowers which hang loosely from graceful weeping branches in early spring; needs moist, organic soil and some shelter, does well in part shade

Height: 25 feet. Spread: 25 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 5a.

Ornamental features

Fragrant Fountain Japanese Snowbell features dainty fragrant nodding white bell-shaped flowers hanging below the branches from early spring to mid summer. It has green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. The fruits are showy gray drupes displayed from late summer to late fall. The smooth khaki (brownish-green) bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape

Fragrant Fountain Japanese Snowbell is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Recommended for: Accent, Hedges/Screening, General Garden Use.

Planting and growing

Fragrant Fountain Japanese Snowbell will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.