Species

Chionanthus retususChinese Fringetree

1 other cultivar

‘Tokyo Tower’Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringetree

tree

Chinese Fringetree

Chionanthus retusus 'China Snow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chionanthus retusus is a deciduous small tree or multi-stemmed large shrub native to East Asia, found in mixed forests and along riverbanks. In late spring, plants produce terminal clusters of fragrant, pure white flowers featuring narrow, strap-like petals.

'China Snow' is selected for exceptionally thick, leathery, dark green foliage that forms a low-branching, dense crown and turns golden yellow in fall. Mature stems show exfoliating gray-brown bark revealing tan-and-gold furrowed patterns during winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers white, fringe-like late spring blooms, thick glossy foliage, yellow fall color, and exfoliating winter bark.

Tolerates urban air pollution and clay soils while producing no fruit drop.

Spring flowers supply pollen to native bees, butterflies, and general insect pollinators.

SpeciesChionanthus retususChinese Fringetree

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site receiving full sun or light afternoon shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Position the root flare flush with ground level, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base without touching the bark.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun in deep, acidic, well-draining soil, and restrict pruning strictly to light structural shaping immediately after flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first two seasons to establish a deep root network.
Provide full sun to maximize bloom quantity and foliage shine.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering finishes.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Do not cut into old, leafless wood during heavy pruning.
Do not apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which reduces floral production.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeLawn focal pointCourtyard focal treeUrban street tree

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Rhododendron Cornus florida Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chinese Fringetree questions

What zones can Chinese Fringetree grow in?

Chinese Fringetree is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Chinese Fringetree deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Chinese Fringetree, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Chinese Fringetree bloom?

Chinese Fringetree typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Chinese Fringetree need full sun?

Chinese Fringetree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Chinese Fringetree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Chinese Fringetree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.