Species snowbell
light-pink flowers and buds with green leaves and brown branches

snowbell

Styrax japonicus (Benibana Group) 'Pink Chimes'

Snowbell (Styrax japonicus (Benibana Group) 'Pink Chimes') is an evergreen shrub native to Japan, Korea, and China. It is an upright-growing shrub, with slightly spreading, arching branches and an overall round shape. It produces abundant clusters of two-inch-long, bell-shaped flowers in spring and summer, each blossom with four pink sepals and four yellow petals. The flowers are followed by shining, black berries in the summer and fall. Snowbells prefer full to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. With its delicate pink and white flower clusters and elegant form, this showy shrub is an attractive addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Pink Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

pink

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Snowbell plants are best watered when the soil feels slightly dry. Generally, water them once every week or 2 weeks. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy each time. During hot, dry periods, water every 7 to 10 days. If the soil is light in colour and feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering, which can cause plant diseases such as root rot. To avoid this, check the soil moisture level before watering. Use a watering can or hose to gently water the plant until some of the excess water runs through the drain holes of its pot. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

sunlight

Snowbell plants require full to partial sunlight at least 6-8 hours per day. They are tolerant of shade but the best flowers are produced when they are exposed to full sunlight. It is best to avoid intense midday sunlight to prevent the leaves from sunburning. Morning or late afternoon sun is the best for these plants. Snowbells are native to East Asia, so if planted outdoors, it should receive more sunlight during the summer months than winter months.

pruning

Snowbell (Styrax japonicus) is best pruned during winter when it is in its dormant state. It is beneficial to remove dead or diseased branches as well as any wayward or overcrowded branches. Pruning can be done lightly throughout the growing season, but heavier pruning best takes place during the winter months. When pruning Snowbell, it is important to cut back only as much as necessary to reduce overcrowding or shape the plant. Pruning too heavily or at the wrong time (i.e. during the growing season) can damage the shrub and negatively impact its blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Styrax japonicus (Benibana Group) 'Pink Chimes' typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Hardiness Map