The Chinese Fringe Tree is small and slow-growing. This flowering tree is the perfect ornamental specimen for your landscape.
Botanical Name: Chionanthus retusus
Characteristics:
15-20 feet high and widewhen full-grownit’s an ideal option for small yards or spaces. Versatile in naturethe Chinese Fringe Tree can also be grown as a multi stemmed shrub. The flowers are fringe-likewhiteand fragrant – blooming in late spring. Female trees will also grow smalldark berries that are an attractant to birds. The foliage of the Chinese Fringe Tree turns yellow in the fall. Another interesting aspect is the exfoliating bark. The Chinese Fringe Tree is a great alternative to the Bradford Pearwhich is notorious for weak branching unions and severe limb breakage during storms.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 5-9
Requirements: The Chinese Fringe Tree requires full to partial sun. Be sure to give it plenty of waterespecially in the heat of summer.
Pest Susceptibility: No serious pest problemsbut is susceptible to cankersmitesscaleand powdery mildew. While the White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) was found to be susceptible to the Emerald Ash BorerChinese Fringe Trees are resistant to this insect.
We recommend the Chinese Fringe Tree for its showy flowerseasy maintenancepest resistanceand year-round interest.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our tree recommendations – for a full list of options that thrive right here in SpringfieldMO.
For help deciding which types of trees or shrubs would be best for your landscape and life – or to learn about our many other tree services – contact us. We’re proud to be your tree service company. Our localcertified arborists – are here and happy to help.