Styrax obassia

Styrax obassia, the fragrant snowbell, is a small deciduous tree from Japan, Korea and north-eastern China, introduced to Europe in 1879 by Charles Maries, who collected it for the Veitch nursery. It forms an elegant, upright tree with a rounded crown and is among the finest of all the snowbells.

The leaves are exceptionally large for the genus, almost round and softly downy beneath. In late spring to early summer, drooping racemes 10 to 20 cm long carry rows of pure white, bell-shaped, sweetly fragrant flowers, partly veiled by the broad foliage and best admired from below. Smooth grey bark and chestnut-brown young shoots that peel in thin flakes add interest in winter.

• Long drooping racemes of fragrant white bells
• Very large, rounded, bold leaves
• Elegant small tree for woodland gardens
• Flowers visited by bees
• Attractive bark and peeling young shoots

Plant the fragrant snowbell in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil, sheltered from cold winds and late frosts.

IMPORTANT: The pictures show the mother plant, which is not for sale. The offer includes a plant with the dimensions stated in the description.