Snowbell, (Japanese) Emerald Pagoda Styrax japonicus 'Emerald Pagoda' Height: 30 feet Spread: 20 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 5b Other Names: Sohuksan Japanese Snowbell Description: A special selection of the species with larger white flowers appearing in early spring; leaves are more robust, a deeper green and leathery; very upright habit; needs moist, organic soil and some shelter from strong winds, does well in part shade Ornamental Features Snowbell, (Japanese) Emerald Pagoda features dainty lightly-scented nodding white bell-shaped flowers hanging below the branches from mid to late spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. The fruits are showy gray drupes displayed from late summer to late fall. The smooth khaki (brownish-green) bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. Landscape Attributes Snowbell, (Japanese) Emerald Pagoda is a deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Snowbell, (Japanese) Emerald Pagoda is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Snowbell, (Japanese) Emerald Pagoda will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This tree should be grown in a location with partial shade and which is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Special Attributes The fruit is edible but know for the attractive, greenish-white to white, egg-shaped capsules, appearing in September and persisting into the winter months. Birds can eat during winter. Inside are hard seeds, which germinate readily
