Fragrant snowbell is a fine small to medium size tree for the middle part of the US. I have planted and grown this species since the mid...Read More 1980s here in central KY, and I like it every place it has been grown. Give it moisture through drought times and the slightly acidic soil it craves (between pH 5.0 - 7.0 is probably best), and you will be rewarded with the beautiful bouquets of flowers annually around early May. That's Derby time 'round here.
Extending the possibilities, I've observed exceptional plants of Styrax obassia in farther flung environments like the great collections in Durand-Eastman Park in Rochester NY, and the US National Arboretum in Washington DC. These are much older plants, and if seen will make one wonder why it isn't already in one's own landscape.
Give this tree a try - the smooth gray bark on twisting branches, rounded larger leaves, slightly exfoliating young stems (excellent ID feature), and of course the fragrant white clusters of pendulous flowers - and you will enjoy the show.
Fragrant snowbell is a fine small to medium size tree for the middle part of the US. I have planted and grown this species since the mid...Read More