A deciduous shrub or small, spreading tree from woodland China, with dark green, oval, toothed leaves and pendant spring to early summer flowers that are white, star-shaped, and best admired when viewing from below. Egg-shaped, woody fruits can develop later in the season. As with other members of the Styrax family of plants, Sinojackia prefers a lime-free soil and a sheltered location, with dappled shade being preferable to full sun. Resistant to deer.
How to care for Sinojackia xylocarpa:
Mulch during the early spring to help retain moisture during the summer. Prefers a moist, humus-rich, and acidic soil but shelter from cold drying winds.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
6m
Eventual spread:
6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.