Japanese snowbell Styrax japonicus
Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Styracaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and China. It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Japanese snowbell in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Japanese snowbell at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Styracaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Japanese snowbell toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruit
Fruits contain saponins (once used to stun fish).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese snowbell
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Japanese snowbell
- How far apart should I plant Japanese snowbell?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Japanese snowbell need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese snowbell need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese snowbell?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Japanese snowbell flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese snowbell poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Fruits contain saponins (once used to stun fish).
- What grows well with Japanese snowbell?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese snowbell. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Rows of dangling white bells hang beneath the branches in early summer; plant on a bank or by a seat to look up into it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Silver birch Betula pendula