Great Plant Pick: Chinese fringe tree

Published 1:30 am Friday, May 27, 2022

What: Chionanthus retusus, the Chinese fringe tree, is a reliable and easy to grow small tree that is covered with clusters of fringed white flowers in early summer. It has a lovely rounded habit, and as it matures it will develop beautiful, deeply furrowed trunks. There are male and female forms; the males flower more heavily than the females but the females produce attractive clusters of black blushed blue berries in late summer. It is an excellent choice for the small garden.

Where: Chinese fringe tree grows best in rich well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand or clay. Plant it in full sun for the most plentiful flowers.

Size: Grows to 12 feet tall by 10 feet wide in 10 years.

Care: The Chinese fringe tree is drought tolerant once established.