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These evergreen trees or shrubs can be used to plug the 'June gap', says Miranda Kimberley.
Gardeners often search for plants to fill that strange gap between late spring and summer, when there is a lack of flowering plants. Styrax is a deciduous or evergreen small tree or large shrub which can be used to plug this 'June gap', their main feature being pure white flowers that hang elegantly from the branches.
There are around 120 species of Styrax, in warm temperate and tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The majority are in eastern and south-eastern Asia, with many species in China and Japan. The best known here is Styrax japonica, usually referred to as the Snowbell tree. It is arguably the finest of the Styrax trees, with a graceful habit and a tough nature. Its bell-shaped flowers are pure white with yellow stamens, borne in profusion along the branches.
Other Styrax of note include the Big-Leaved Styrax, S. obassia, which has large, handsome leaves with a soft, velvety down on their underside It becomes a beautiful large shrub or small, round-headed tree and its fragrant flowers are borne in long racemes. Another species with an Award of Garden Merit is S. hemsleyanus, a Chinese form introduced in 1900 by Ernest Wilson. It also features attractive foliage - its leaves are similar in appearance to S. obassia, but are not downy, and they are a delicate pale green colour.
In terms of hardiness, the Styrax species vary a little, with the trees coping with low temperatures between -5 and -15 degsC. Styrax japonica and S. obassia are the hardiest, surviving down to -15 degsC, but there are others at the other end of the scale such as S. benzoin, which is frost tender. If they are given the shelter of a south-facing wall, that is the ideal situation. They must be protected from cold, drying winds. Plant Styrax in moist, loamy, lime-free soil in sun or partial shade. They are best planted among other shrubs and trees where they will receive some protection. However, be aware...