Evening Light Japanese Snowbell

‘Evening Light’ is an upright Japanese snowbell selected for glossy, dark purple foliage in full sun. It bears pendent bell-shaped flowers that are pure white to very pale pink in May and June, as described in [its US plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP24168P2/en). ## Foliage and Flowers In full sun, the leaves remain rich purple to nearly black; older lower leaves in shade may become olive green or bronze. The flowers form on young wood. Flowering time and color can shift with climate and growing conditions. ## Size and Siting The patent reports plants about 1.5 m tall and 0.7 m wide at four years, and about 3 m tall with 1.2–1.5 m spread at ten years. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/styrax-japonicus-evening-light) describes an upright, oval small tree to about 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide; [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/344755/styrax-japonicus-evening-light/details) gives a 2.5–4 m range and cultivation advice. Use full sun to partial shade, shelter from drying winds, and moist, well-drained soil; sandy soil is preferred, while acidic soil helps reduce chlorosis risk. ## Maintenance Allow the tree to develop its upright form and maintain steady soil moisture. Its USDA hardiness is reported as Zone 5; local performance depends on site and winter exposure.