Chinese Fringe Tree
Chionanthus retusus
SKU
02416
A highly prized small tree with upright branches forming a dome shape. Soft green leaves back magnificent clusters of fragrant, fringe-like blooms. A terrific accent for small yards. Deciduous.
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Full sun, Partial sun
Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
We no longer grow this plant
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| Botanical Pronunciation | ki-o-NAN-thus re-TU-sus |
|---|---|
| Lore | In China, the young leaves of this tree are used as a substitute for tea and some are considered equal in fragrance to some of the best green teas. |
| Average Size at Maturity | Slow growing to 15 to 20 ft. high, 20 to 25 ft. wide. |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Design Ideas | This outstanding small tree will provide perfect interest for spatially challenged front yards. Wider than tall, it will also work well as filtered shade in outdoor living spaces that can afford to be overwhelmed by large trees. Set far back in the landscape against dark evergreen trees for a gorgeous bloom spectacle in sharp contrast. Show white blossoms become luminescent in the moonlight. Also works nicely as an accent tree surrounded by high profile perennials in the lawn. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Flower Attribute | Fragrant, Showy Flowers |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Garden Style | Asian/Zen, Cottage, Tropical |
| Growth Habit | Spreading |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Landscape Use | Border, Specimen, Water Garden, Windbreak, Woodland Garden, Urban Garden |
| Light Needs | Full sun, Partial sun |
| Soil Needs | Tree & Shrub Food |
| Special Feature | Easy Care, Fall Color, Ornamental Berries, Tolerates Acidic Soil, Bird Friendly, Tolerates Urban Pollution |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Watering Needs | Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Companion Plants | The fringe tree is outstanding with vibrantly colored perennials such as Color Flash Lime Astilbe, (Astilbe x arendsii 'Beauty of Lisse'), Farmington Michaelmas Daisy, (Aster novi-belgii 'Farmington'), Raspberry Tart Coneflower, (Echinacea purpurea 'Raspberry Tart'), Sensation Rose Meadow Sage, (Salvia nemorosa 'Meadow Sage'), and Flower Carpet Scarlet Groundcover Rose, (Rosa x 'NOA83100B'). |
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering may be reduced once established, but avoid prolonged drought. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
This Plant's Growing Zones: 5-9
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant