Chionanthus retusus (Chinese Fringe Tree)

Extremely easy to grow, Chionanthus retusus (Chinese Fringe Tree) is a deciduous shrub or small tree which is spectacular in full bloom. In late spring or early summer, it is literally covered with delicate clouds of slightly fragrant, pure white flowers with fringe-like petals. As the blooms fade, the petals drop like snow on the ground. Featuring a rounded, wide-spreading habit, the Chinese Fringe Tree is dioecious (separate male and female plants). While the male flowers bear slightly longer petals and are showier, the female flowers give way to lovely clusters of dark blue fruit in late summer and are a food source for birds and wildlife. The foliage of lustrous, leathery, bright green leaves, 3-8 in. long (7-20 cm), turns golden-yellow in fall. The exfoliating gray-brown bark becomes ridged and furrowed with age, providing winter interest. Native to Asia, this breathtaking plant is tolerant of air pollution and adapts well to urban settings.

• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall and wide (3-6 m).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soils.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or in mixed borders.
• Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for mites, scale, borers, leaf spots, canker and powdery mildew.
• Native to China, Korea and Japan.