Wider than tall, this small tree shows off magnificent clusters of fragrant, fringe-like blooms in spring.
Its slow growthusually 6 to 10 inches per yearmakes it suitable forsmall landscapesand urban options.
Fortunately, the flowers of both male and female Chinese fringe trees are attractive.
The tree is especially appealing when placed in front of a backdrop ofevergreen trees or shrubs.
Another option is to plant it as an accent tree surrounded by perennials.
However, avoid locations with saline soil or salt runoff because Chinese fringe trees are not salt-tolerant.
confirm you select a permanent location, as Chinese fringe tree does not transplant well.
Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and has the same depth as the nursery container.
Place the tree in the planting hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the original soil and tamp down the soil.
Water well immediately after planting and keep the young tree well-watered at all times.
Cover the soil above the root ball with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch to prevent soil moisture loss.
Chinese Fringe Tree Care Tips
Chinese Fringe tree requires only minimal maintenance.
Light
Bothfull sunand dappled or partial shade are acceptable.
Each has its advantagethe best floweringoccurs in full sun while partial shade creates lustrous foliage.
Full shade, on the other hand, considerably reduces the bloom.
Good drainage, however, is key.
Regular watering is required until the tree is established, which may take a couple of years.
After that, it tolerates moderate drought but does best with supplemental water during dry spells.
Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Its tolerance of air pollution makes it especially suitable for urban landscapes.
The tree has no humidity issues or preferences.
Scattering a 2-inchlayer of compostaround the base every year should take care of the nutrient needs.
To grow it as a single-trunk tree, start removing all lower branches when the tree is still young.
Pests and Problems
The tree does not have any serious insect or disease issues.
The biggest problem is that Chinese fringe trees are highly attractive to deer.
Or the tree is grafted onto other tree species, which requires ongoing pruning.
Propagating a fringe tree from stem cuttings has little success and is therefore not commonly practiced.
Types of Chinese Fringe Tree
Chionanthus retusus var.
Tokyo Tower
With its narrow, strongly upright branching, this cultivar works well in small spaces.
The tree tops out at a height of 12 to 15 feet and width of 4 to 6 feet.
Zone 6-9
Arnolds Pride
Two characteristics set this variety apart from the species and other cultivars.
It grows more rapidly, and it is self-pollinating.
The tree has a strong central leader and shiny dark green leaves.
It grows up to 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
Its glossy, thick green, oval or round leaves turn a creamy yellow in the fall.
Old trees have attractive curved trunks and furrowed bark.
In spring, new foliage often emerges bright green with blushes of bronze.
These finely textured mounds of foliage stay compact with no training needed.
As an added bonus, the foliage is so hairy that it’s avoided by deer and rabbits.
Zone 3-8
Bleeding Heart
Their long stems with pendulous flowers have madebleeding heartan all-time favorite perennial.
The plants are quick to pop in the spring and swiftly grow to full size.
There are numerous cultivars, including white- and pink-flowering forms.
Chinese fringe tree is a member of the olive family and its only flower color is white.
The Chinese fringe tree is taller than thenative white fringe treeand its flower clusters are smaller.
The petals are shorter and wider whereas the leaves are smaller.
