Planting a Chinese fringe tree (Chionanthus retusus) can add a striking focal point in a garden without taking up too much room or creating too much work for a homeowner. This slow-growing, small ornamental tree provides a lot of aesthetic value and wow-factor for its size. Its profuse white blooms and dark purple fruit can be stunning and make this species one to consider adding to your landscape if you are looking for a unique non-native to add.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Chionanthus retusus, the Chinese fringetree, is a flowering plant in the family Oleaceae. It is native to eastern Asia: eastern and central China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
It is a deciduous shrub or small to medium-sized tree growing to 20 metres (70 ft) in height, with thick, fissured bark. The leaves are 3–12 centimetres (1–5 in) long and 2–6.5 cm (0.8–2.6 in) broad, simple ovate to oblong-elliptic, with a hairy, 0.5–2 cm (0.2–0.8 in) long petiole. The flowers are white, produced in panicles 3–12 cm (1–5 in) long. The fruit is a blue-black drupe 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 in) long and 0.6–1 cm (0.2–0.4 in) in diameter.
It is cultivated in Europe and North America as an ornamental tree, valued for its feathery white flowerheads.
In Japan’s Aichi Prefecture near Inuyama there is a grove of seven mature Chionanthus retusus renowned for their yearly white blooms. They were designated by the authorities as a natural monument since 1923.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
The Chinese fringe tree prefers full sun to part shade but to guarantee that your tree produces a profuse amount of blooms you must provide your tree with full sun.
Temperature and Humidity
The Chinese fringe tree is not incredibly fussy regarding temperature and humidity. It will be happy if you keep it situated in the recommended USDA hardiness zones of 5 through 9.
Watering
Keeping your Chinese fringe tree well-watered is essential to keep it producing plenty of flowers. This particular species does not tolerate excessively dry weather and needs to be watered more in dry conditions, or its health and ornamental qualities will suffer noticeably.
Soil
Providing organically rich, well-draining, and moist soil will give your Chinese fringe tree the best chance of thriving. Aim for soil with a low pH (under 7.0).
Fertilizing
While not necessary for the tree’s health, providing a Chinese fringe tree with supplemental fertilizer will enhance its blooms. A yearly application of flowering tree or shrub fertilizer will support its flower production.
Pruning
Pruning Chinese fringe tree should be kept to a minimum. Being a multistemmed tree, they look best with a natural, untended look.
When there are branches that are dead, damaged, or crowding each other, pruning is recommended.
Propagation
Propagating a Chinese fringe tree is notoriously difficult, both from cuttings and by seed, and the average hobby gardener is unlikely to succeed. Your best bet at getting another Chinese fringe tree is purchasing it.
How to Get to Bloom
To encourage your Chinese fringe tree to bloom profusely, plant it in full sun and clear away anything that shades the tree during the day. That action alone will elevate your blooms. Provide a yearly dose of fertilizer and provide it with a steady supply of water. Without enough water, its flower production will stall.
Pests and Diseases
Fortunately the Chinese fringe tree does not suffer from many pests or diseases, and its issues usually do not threaten the tree’s life. The most significant concern when dealing with pests may be mites, which can easily be treated.
You will not run into many disease issues beyond superficial powdery mildew, which can be treated easily with a fungicide available at any nursery or home center.
III. Uses and Benefits
Chinese Fringe Tree is perfect as a specimen plant or in mixed borders.