Styrax faberi

RHS Plant Profile
craftsman's snowbell
Shrubs

A small to mid-sized deciduous shrub with a bushy, branching habit and papery, slightly serrated oval green leaves that are tapered at the tips, and sometimes flushed pink when young. Produces small clusters of pendent, bell-shaped white flowers from late spring to early summer, followed by downy grey seed pods

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Styracaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus
Styrax can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with simple, alternate leaves and nodding bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers in spring or summer
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist but well-drained, loamy, acid to neutral soil, in full or afternoon sun. Provide shelter from cold drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in summer, or by grafting in winter. Seeds require a period of warm followed by a period of cold to germinate

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1; flowers are produced on the previous year's growth

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility