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Chinese Fringe Tree
Chionanthus retusus
Pronunciation: ki-o-NAN-thus re-TU-sus
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.
LIGHT: Full sun, Partial sun
WATER: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Slow growing to 15 to 20 ft. high, 20 to 25 ft. wide.
We no longer grow this plant
Be Inspired: How to Use this Plant
| Bloom Time | Spring |
|---|---|
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Special Features | Easy Care, Fall Color, Ornamental Berries, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Tolerates Urban Pollution |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Habit | Spreading |
| Flower Attributes | Fragrant, Showy Flowers |
| Landscape Use | Border, Windbreak |
| 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. |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Fall Color | Yellow |
| 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'). |
| Care Instructions | 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. |
| History | There are two species of fringe tree, the first was introduced from America in the 17th century, for which the genus was named by Linnaeus from the Greek for snow and flower. The trees are native to an immense range of China, Korea and Japan. They were introduced to Britain by Robert Fortune who obtained specimens from a garden near Fuzhou. In China the best bloomers are propagated by grafting. |
| 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. |
Details
| Bloom Time | Spring |
|---|---|
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Special Features | Easy Care, Fall Color, Ornamental Berries, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Tolerates Urban Pollution |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Habit | Spreading |
| Flower Attributes | Fragrant, Showy Flowers |
Style
Care
History
We no longer grow this plant
We no longer grow this plant
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About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly
100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.