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Styrax hemsleyanus

Hemsley snowball

A medium-sized deciduous tree of open habit with finely-toothed, almost rounded leaves to 13cm in length. White, bell-shaped flowers 2.5cm in width are borne in drooping racemes to 15cm in length in early summer

Synonyms
Styrax huanus
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils but shelter from cold drying winds. Well-suited to a woodland garden

Propagation

Propagate from seed sown at 15°C reducing the temperature to 0 to 5°C after 3 months. Propagate by softwood cuttings

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

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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