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Styrax redivivus

drug snowbell

A mid-sized deciduous shrub, up to 4m high, with broadly ovate to rounded green leaves. Produces small clusters of pendent, fragrant white flowers from late spring to early summer, followed by round, hairy seed pods

Synonyms
Styrax officinalis var. redivivus

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Yellow Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Styracaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Plant range
USA (California)

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in well-drained, loamy, acid to neutral soil; this species is more tolerant of dry soils than others in the genus. Provide shelter from cold drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in summer, or by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1

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

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