About
Fraxinus ornus, the manna ash, is a round-headed, deciduous tree to around 15 m tall with rich-green, pinnate leaves and, in late spring, conspicuous, fluffy, fragrant, creamy-white flower clusters � making it one of the most ornamental and floriferous of all ashes. An excellent specimen tree for a large garden.
About the genus
Fraxinus, the ash trees, are medium-sized to large, mostly deciduous trees with attractive, pinnate leaves, sometimes conspicuous flowers, autumn colour, and distinctive winged fruits (keys). Widely grown as landscape, street and ornamental trees in temperate gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toS Europe, Asia Minor
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationExcellent for woodland and coastal gardens where there is an alkaline or neutral soil and full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or grafting
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceAsh dieback has recently been found in the UK. Restrictions have been put in place (from 29 October 2012) regarding both the importation of ash from abroad and the movement of ash within the UK. May also be susceptible to honey fungus