Fraxinus
Ash
- Height × spread
- 1m – 40m × 0.5m – 15m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are over 50 species of ash tree of which the common ash, Fraxinus excelsior, is the best known in UK gardens. Amongst the many other species some cultivars are particularly suited to gardens, for example, the large and handsome Fraxinus americana having the cultivar 'Raywood' with exquisite wine purple autumn colouring, highly unusual in effect. The cream flowers of the Chinese ash, Fraxinus mariesii' are beautiful, as are the fragrant flowers, and good autumn colour of the Manna ash, Fraxinus ornus and its forms. The common ash is known for its neat black buds, and these are also a feature of Fraxinus chinensis. The Arizona ash, Fraxinus velutina, has white pubescence on its young shoots. Finally, likely to remain elusive, the small Fraxinus cuspidata unlikely to exceed 12 metres in height with fragrant white flowers in spring, tolerant of both heat and drought. Note: Ash trees are currently suffering from a die-back disease, seek advice from your nursery or garden centre when purchasing these trees for the latest on disease-resistant, or immune forms.
- Flower colour
- Cream, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Weeping
- Height
- 1m – 40m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 15m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- 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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
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.
Found in
More Fraxinus
Fraxinus americana
White ash
Fraxinus angustifolia
Narrow leaved ash
Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood'
Raywood ash claret ash, Narrow leaved ash
Fraxinus angustifolia var. australis
Narrow leaved ash, Narrow leaved ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Common ash, European ash, Fine leaved ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Common ash, European ash, Fine-leaved ash
Fraxinus excelsior 'Crispa'
Curl-leaf common ash, European ash
Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea'
Golden ash, Common ash, European ash, Fine leaved ash