Overview
Fraxinus is a bushy trees in the genus Fraxinus, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Fraxinus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and coastal gardens.
About
Fraxinus is a genus of medium to large, primarily deciduous trees known for their pinnate leaves and distinctive winged fruits. This bushy cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position facing south or west. It grows well in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, favouring moist but well-drained or well-drained alkaline to neutral soils. Suitable for woodland and coastal gardens, it is hardy to UK zone H6 and is best planted in well-drained soil with staking when young. Interest is mainly in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fraxinus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Fraxinus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, Coastal gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fraxinus
- Propagation
- Seed, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to ash dieback, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fraxinus?
Fraxinus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Fraxinus need?
Fraxinus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Fraxinus hardy in the UK?
Fraxinus has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Fraxinus?
Seed, Grafting.
More in the Fraxinus genus
- Fraxinus angustifolia 'Monophylla'
- Fraxinus angustifolia 'Pendula'ash 'Pendula'
- Fraxinus angustifolia 'Variegata' (v)
- Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa 'Golden Desert'
- Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. syriacaSyrian ash
- Fraxinus baronianaBaron's ash
- Fraxinus chinensisChinese ash
- Fraxinus excelsior 'Argenteovariegata' (v)
