Styrax obassia

The fragrant snowbell, Styrax obassia, is an elegant small tree with large, ovate leaves and racemes of fragrant, white flowers in May and June. In autumn, the leaves turn a lovely golden-yellow before falling.

Given its small stature, it's a good option for growing as a specimen tree or at the back of a large border, under which can be grown woodland perennials like ferns and erythroniums.

For best results, grow Styrax obassia in full sun or dappled shade in moist, well-drained soil. It's intolerant of lime-rich, alkaline soils, so grow in a neutral to acidic soil.