Chionanthus virginicus

Fringe tree is a very rare and beautiful small shrub or small tree. In early summer it has profusion of upto 20 cm long pendent panicles of fragrant, shiny snow-white, narrow flowers. Female plants produce bluish black berries, however, usually only male plants are sold in nurseries.

Mid to deep green opposite leaves are deciduous, elliptic and glossy. If you like this plant not as much for the flowers but the foliage there is a way you can double the size of the leaves. Either in early spring or immediately after flowering cut last year’s branches to 20-30% of their original length. After that the plant will need a lot of nutrients which can be provided either as a balanced 3-months-release fertilizer based on or a liquid nitrogenous fertilizer supplied for not longer than 4 weeks.

Fringe tree grows slowly, about 3m tall and wide. If you want to train it into a tree remove bottom branches every year starting at young age. It needs a warm and sunny location, acidic, humus-rich, constantly moist but well-drained soil. Fully hardy to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 20-01-2009; 31-12-2010