Plant Library

Description:

An impressive large shrub or small tree, featuring the most delicate white bell-shaped flowers hanging from graceful branches in early spring, contrasting maroon foliage; very attractive; needs moist, organic soil; better flowering and leaf color in sun

Ornamental Features

Evening Light Japanese Snowbell features dainty lightly-scented nodding white bell-shaped flowers hanging below the branches from mid to late spring. It has dark green-variegated burgundy foliage which emerges plum purple in spring. The glossy pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. The fruits are showy gray drupes displayed from late summer to late fall. The smooth khaki (brownish-green) bark and burgundy branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Evening Light Japanese Snowbell is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. 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;

• Invasive

Evening Light Japanese Snowbell is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Evening Light Japanese Snowbell will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, 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.

Evening Light Japanese Snowbell is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.