Chionanthus virginicus
Fringe tree, Snow flower, Poison ash, Old man's beard, White fringetree, Granny graybeard
- Height × spread
- 10m × 6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This handsome shrub or small tree produces masses of white pendulous flowers in June and July. It flowers moderately well in Britain and Ireland. But, in the United States and in central Europe it will completely cover itself with the slightly fragrant blooms. The plant does not flower until it has matured which may take several years. The leaves are moderately large with long pointed tips, turning gold before leaf fall in autumn. It produces oval blue purple fruits. If grown as a shrub it will reach around 3m (10ft) in height with a 3.5m (11ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Gold
- Fruit colour
- Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-vanilla
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.