The Plant Guide

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Fragrant snowbell

Styrax obassia

STY-raks oh-BASS-ee-ah

This plant is a small tree or large shrub reaching 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It starts out in a pyramidal shape and becomes more open with age. Fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers are borne on 4-inch to 8-inch long chains. Flowers dangle from rounded, dark green foliage in late spring, followed by small light brown fruits that usually drop by late fall.

CareGrow in moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil. Shelter from wind. This plant leafs out in early spring: To avoid early-frost damage, site in a north-facing exposure in loose soil.

PropagationTake greenwood cuttings in summer.

ProblemsInfrequent.

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This basket was designed to be used by gardeners to wash freshly harvested vegetables before taking them inside. You can gather your vegetables and then hose them off right in the same basket. However, you can also use it for fruit or add a cloth liner for serving bread or other baked goods. Measuring 16" long, 11" wide and 4" deep, it is made of chrome-plated steel to resist rust.
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  • Genus : Styrax
  • Plant Height : 15 to 30 feet
  • Plant Width : 15 to 30 feet
  • Zones : 6, 7, 8
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit
  • Bloom Time : Spring
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Plant Type : Trees
  • Flower Color : White

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