What soil does Japanese pagoda tree grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Japanese pagoda tree hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Japanese pagoda tree be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Japanese pagoda tree flower?

Flowering: July–August, white.

How much water does Japanese pagoda tree need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

Japanese pagoda tree

Styphnolobium japonicum

Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €170.

Illustration of Japanese pagoda tree — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A large shade tree with a rounded crown that flowers in the height of summer, when few other trees do, with creamy white, scented panicles that bees love. It stands up well to heat, drought and polluted city air, but it needs a lot of room and seed-raised trees only start flowering at around ten years. The fallen flowers and fleshy pods stain paving, so keep it away from terraces and parking spots; the seeds are poisonous. The weeping form stays much smaller and rarely flowers.

Watch out for

The falling flowers, fleshy pods and leaves make a lot of litter and stain paving. The wood is brittle, so strong wind and heavy snow can break branches; train a sound branch structure while the tree is young. Shoots of young trees can be killed back in hard winters, and cankers may follow frost damage. It has no serious pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–August, white

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	12–23 m × 12–23 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–August, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit, Leaves
Planting distance	1000 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €170

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
14/16 cm trunk girth	approx. €170

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that give shade Fragrant plants

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