Chionanthus retusus Seeds | Chinese Fringe Tree
LATIN NAME: Chionanthus retusus
COMMON NAME: Chinese Fringe Tree, Chinese Fringetree
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Chinese Fringe Tree, Chionanthus retusus is a deciduous tree in the olive family (Oleaceae), native to warm woodlands of China and nearby lands, while it is grown for its magnificent flowers. The Chinese fringe tree is one of the most beautiful of the flowering trees of the late spring, and its clouds of white, fringed flowers have made it a treasured tree of the gardens of the world. Given room and time, it reaches roughly Ten metres. The flowering period doubles as a feeding season for bees and other pollinators. All of this makes Chinese Fringe Tree a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the olive family, Chionanthus retusus is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. The Chinese fringe tree has a real and distinguished place in the research. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Chinese Fringe Tree works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, the Chinese fringe tree is a generous plant of the garden. Chionanthus retusus, known as the Chinese Fringe Tree, is a lovely deciduous small tree or large shrub that is native to China, Korea, and Japan. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Fringetree bark had a folk record in American herbalism for liver complaints; today the genus is loved for clouds of fragrant white bloom.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Chinese Fringe Tree, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Chinese Fringe Tree, Chinese Fringetree earns its space through character rather than fuss. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
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