Japanese Snowbell Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on April 4, 2022

Planting instructions

When planting a Japanese snowbell tree, you should remember that this species can measure more than 20 feet in both its height and spread. Accordingly, plant this tree where it will have plenty of room to expand without competing with other nearby trees and shrubs for nutrients and light.

Partial shade is ideal for a Japanese snowbell tree. However, in the colder parts of this plant’s range, it is likely to be more tolerant of full sun exposure. Since this plant can also be susceptible to frosts, it’s most sensible to plant it where it can receive some wind protection.

Watering and nutrients

Japanese snowbell trees prefer to grow in consistently moist soils, especially during their younger years. Typically, you should supply water weekly while this plant is young. When this plant is older, it will be more tolerant of dry conditions, requiring regular water, mostly during the summer or other hot spells. Japanese snowbell trees also have comparatively low fertilization needs. A single application of a well-balanced fertilizer in the late winter or early spring should be enough to keep this plant healthy.

Pollination

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Japanese snowbell tree is its incredible ability to attract pollinators. In the spring, usually between May and June, this tree blooms with numerous white flowers that contain plenty of nectar for pollinator species to feed on. Bees, hummingbirds, and others are all likely to pay the Japanese snowbell tree a visit and spread its pollen from flower to flower. Once pollination occurs, the Japanese snowbell tree will produce a small oval-shaped fruit that can persist well into the fall.

Pruning

The best time to prune a Japanese snowbell tree is in the late winter or the early spring when the tree is finishing its dormancy period. During this season, you should remove branches that show damage and disease. You can also prune this tree to improve its form and growth habit.

Often gardeners choose to remove the lower limbs of a Japanese snowbell tree during pruning. The goal of this effort is to encourage the plant to take a more tree-like form rather than appearing as a large rounded shrub.

Pest, diseases, and animals

Pests and diseases are of minimal concern when you plant a Japanese snowbell tree. These trees rarely have any issues with infestations or bacterial and fungal infections. However, there remains a small chance that your tree could run into some complications. Occasionally, the ambrosia beetle can bother this plant, as can aphids. These insects tend to bore through this tree’s wood or attack its newer growth. However, pest problems are not all that likely to arise if your Japanese snowbell gets the right treatment and conditions.

Achieving maximum results

One of the best ways to experience a Japanese snowbell tree is to stand beneath its branches while it is in bloom. The downward hanging flowers make an astounding visual statement when you view them from below.

The best way to achieve this effect is to prune your Japanese snowbell to promote outward growth. With the right pruning cuts, your tree can develop a spreading canopy that will be the perfect backdrop for the flowers while providing shade in the hotter months.

Compare Similar Products

Customer Reviews

Anonymous

Verified Buyer May 26, 2020 at 3:33pm

All good!

I did receive my snowbell tree. It was undamaged upon receipt. Was suppose to be 4 - 5 ft....on the shorter end of 4. Planted, being watered, sunshine...hoping it will bloom a bit next Spring, 2021!! Many thanks!