About
Chionanthus retusus is a unique small tree that can also be cultivated as a multi-stemmed shrub. It produces clusters of fragrant, white fringed flowers from May to June, which give rise to its common name. After flowering, bluish-black berries develop, attracting birds to the garden. The tree features glossy, mid-green leaves that form a broad, rounded canopy, turning yellow in the fall. Its bronze, peeling bark adds visual interest throughout the year.
About the genus
Chionanthus comprises small deciduous trees or substantial shrubs characterized by opposite simple leaves. They produce loose terminal clusters of white flowers, each featuring four slender petals, which may later give rise to blue-black berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees, Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in rich, free-draining soil, this tree will grow in partial shade, however the flowers will be much better in a full sun location
- Pruning
- See pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed when ripe, or by layering a low hanging branch in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free