PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; blooms most profusely in full sun, tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid prolonged waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Cold hardy to -20°C; tolerates cool temperate winters and warm summer temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to obovate, 8–15 cm long; dark green upper surface, pale green underside; turns yellow in autumn
- Flower: Fragrant white blooms with 6–10 waxy petals; 8–12 cm in diameter
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown mature bark; young shoots have fine fuzzy hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; apply 5–10 cm of mulch to retain moisture
Fertilization
Apply slow-release balanced fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can promote leaf growth over flowering
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp around the base of the tree and water gently to incorporate into soilPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's flower buds
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and canopy structure
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to allow light penetration and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse health effects reported
Humans: No documented toxic effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes purity and seasonal renewal in traditional Japanese garden design
Usage: Ornamental flowering tree for residential gardens, parks, and street plantings
