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Chionanthus retusus,
Chinese Fringetree

It is truly a mystery why this tree is not grown more. It is one of the prettiest flowering trees for the southeastern US including much of Florida. Chinese Fringetree looks best in a sunny spot sheltered from wind. The tree appears more attractive in the deep south when grown with several hours of shade but blooms best in full sun. Trees prefer moist, acid soil but can adapt to soil that is wet occasionally. Chinese Fringetree grows very slowly, but can grow a foot per year if given rich, moist soil and amply fertilizer. Flowers are produced on current season's growth; those on C. virginicus are produced on last seasons wood. Trees cast light shade under the canopy making it easier to grow turf under the tree than under other trees with a denser canopy.

There is usually only one growth flush per year. Fringetree tolerates moderate drought but looks best if irrigated occasionally during extended summer drought. The tree flowers on the tips of the new growth as it emerges in spring. Pollen from males cause significant allergy; females fruit but do not produce pollen. Trees transplanted in the fall in hardiness zone 6 do not grow roots until the following summer so be sure to keep new plants irrigated regularly. Plants grow slowly in the nursery, so expect to pay more for this tree than others of comparable size. The wonderful bright white flower display, compared to the creamy white for the native fringetree, makes this a striking specimen in flower. Bark on some trees is exfoliating, bronze colored, and very showy.

Clear all turf away from beneath the branches and mulch to the drip line to reduce competition with turf and weeds. This will allow roots to become established quickly and keep plants healthier. Train and prune the trunks and branches so they will not touch each other. Remove some secondary branches on main branches with included bark, or those that are likely to develop it, as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of splitting from the tree later, when the tree has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size, since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of flowers. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located. Flowers develop from buds formed the previous year.