Species

Styrax japonicusJapanese Snowbell

5 other cultivars

tree RHS Award

Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell

Styrax japonicus 'Pink Chimes'

The Story

Plant Bio

Styrax japonicus is a small, deciduous ornamental tree with a graceful, wide-spreading habit and refined horizontal branching. It is prized for its profusion of fragrant, bell-shaped, pendulous flowers that appear in late spring.

'Pink Chimes' is distinguished by its delicate, pale pink flowers, offering a soft color variation from the more common white-flowered species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a stunning floral display with thousands of fragrant, delicate pink, bell-shaped flowers that hang below the horizontal branches. The smooth gray bark and graceful structure offer winter interest.

Its small to medium stature makes it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes, urban gardens, and planting near patios or walkways where its beauty can be appreciated up close.

The fragrant flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees and other beneficial insects during their late spring bloom period.

SpeciesStyrax japonicusJapanese Snowbell

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300"

Width

300"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Japan, China, Korea (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun or light shade and acidic, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, watering to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Plant it where the pendulous flowers can be viewed from below, such as on a raised bed or near a patio.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in hot weather.
Mulch to protect the shallow root system and retain moisture.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape if necessary.
Test soil pH and amend to maintain acidity if needed.

Don't

Don't plant in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed locations.
Don't perform heavy pruning, as it can spoil the natural form.
Don't allow the root zone to dry out completely.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen tree for small yardsGraceful patio or deck-side treeWoodland garden accent

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hosta Hakonechloa macra Acer palmatum Dryopteris erythrosora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell questions

What zones can Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell grow in?

Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell deer resistant?

Yes — Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell bloom?

Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell need full sun?

Pink Chimes Japanese Snowbell does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.