Chinese Fringe Tree

A slow-growing wonder, Chionanthus retusus, or Chinese Fringe Tree, is one of the most spectacular flowering trees for a temperate garden. In late Spring to early Summer, it becomes completely smothered in clusters of snowy-white, honey-scented flowers with narrow, fringe-like petals, giving the entire canopy a "cloud-like" or fleecy appearance. The foliage consists of leathery oval leaves that emerge a bright lime-green, maturing to a deep forest green and can turn a clear, buttery yellow in Autumn. As the tree ages, it develops deeply furrowed, corky bark that provides wonderful structural interest during the Winter months. Often considered more floriferous and refined than its American cousin (C. virginicus), it is a choice specimen for those seeking a "white-out" floral display.

Site: Sheltered to protect the flowers
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer flowers, Autumn foliage, Winter bark
Hardiness: Fully hardy to 10 degrees
Height: 10’ (3m)  Spread: 10’ (3m) in 10-20 years 

Images by TANAKA Juuyoh  cropped, and licensed by CC BY SA 2.0