Chionanthus Retusus, a Chinese Fringe Tree, is a unique small flowering tree grown in zones 5-9. With both male and female trees, it produces fragrant white blooms and reaches a size of 15-25 feet.
Chionanthus Retusus Chinese Fringe Tree
The Chionanthus retusus, or Chinese fringe tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to eastern Asia. It is known for its delicate white flowers, which bloom in clusters in late spring or early summer. The flowers are followed by small, blue-black drupes. The Chinese fringe tree has a graceful, rounded habit and grows to be about 15-20 feet tall and wide.
The Chinese fringe tree is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, but it will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry weather. The tree can be pruned to maintain its shape and size, but it is not necessary.
To plant a Chinese fringe tree, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and amend the soil with compost or manure. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree well after planting.
Water your Chinese fringe tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Fertilize the tree in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size.
The Chinese fringe tree is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. It makes a stunning accent tree, and can also be used in mass plantings, borders, and along walkways. It is also a good choice for container planting.
Here are some additional tips for growing a Chinese fringe tree:
- Protect the tree from frost during the winter months.
- Be sure to inspect the tree regularly for signs of pests or diseases, and treat them promptly if necessary.
- Be patient! It may take a few years for the tree to reach its full size and bloom profusely.
With proper care, your Chinese fringe tree will thrive for many years and provide you with a beautiful and elegant addition to your landscape.
Note: The plant is shipped in its pot, firmly secured with several layers of clear tape, thereby avoiding any shuffling and moving during transit. The plant reaches you with minimal damage- very safe and secure. We have been shipping plants like this for several years (plant are sometimes shipped in smaller pots for safety and ease of shipping). Most plants go dormant in fall and winter and will lose most of their leaves - looking dead and dry - very normal. They will flush out in spring.
We cannot send ship some plants and some sizes to California due to restrictions placed by department of agriculture.
Growing Zones: 5-9
| Mature Height: | 10 to 20 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Mature width: | 10 to 20 Feet |
| Botanical Name: | Chionanthus retusus |
| Bloom TIme | May to June |
