Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Oleaceae
Botanical Name
CHIONANTHUS retusus
Plant Common Name
Chinese Fringetree
General Description
The billowing, wispy, white flower clusters of Chinese fringetree bring a magnificent touch to the spring landscape. Native to eastern China, Korea and Japan, this deciduous plant grows as a shrub naturally but can be trained as a small tree if lower branches are removed. Taking a while for new spring leaves to emerge, the bright green oval foliage has slightly lighter colored undersides that can be hairy. By mid to late spring, the new growth is topped by masses of clusters of white fragrant blossoms, with petals that are narrow and separate and slightly wider than those of the American fringetree (C. virginicus).
Plants are either male or female, with fruits forming only from female blossoms, although individual trees may have flowers of the other gender in low numbers. After pollination by bees, loose clusters of blackish blue fruits dangle from the branch ends, and are a treat for songbirds. By the start of summer, the leaves are a deeper green, and some plants may have leaves of more leather-like texture. The fall foliage is yellow, and in warmer regions, the leaves may not turn as yellow while remaining until the winter solstice. The bark is gray and exfoliating and with age the plant's bark becomes corky with furrows in gray and brown.
Grow the Chinese fringtree in full sun to partial shade in any average soil with decent drainage, regardless of pH. This is a remarkably easy-to-grow plant and is a breathtaking plant for the garden either as a mounding shrub or picturesque, aged small tree. In coldest reaches of its hardiness zone, it will grow more slowly, likely remaining in a shrub form, and in mild winter regions, expect it to be a bit faster and larger in habit. Use it as a focal plant for a corner of a building, in the mixed border, in an open wooded area, or next to a patio where its fragrance can be enjoyed from nearby.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
15'-22' / 4.6m - 6.7m
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Width
10'-20' / 3.0m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
China, Japan, Korea
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Dark Blue, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow
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Bark Color
Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Corky
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
