Plant Profile: Chionanthus retusus

What type of plant boasts remarkable resilience, stunning leaves, pristine white flowers, and peeling bark? It’s the Chinese fringetree. This deciduous tree, which thrives in Korea, China, and Japan, is easy to cultivate and showcases striking clusters of white blooms that resemble fringe each spring.

Often cultivated as a large multi-stemmed shrub, the Chinese fringetree can also grow into a modest tree, reaching heights between 18 and 35 feet. When transplanting this Asian native, choose a spot that receives full sun or partial shade. The glossy, leathery leaves thrive best in light shade (dappled sunlight), while the most abundant flowering occurs in full sun. Notably, this tree tends to produce flowers more profusely in alternate years. One drawback is its vulnerability to deer, which often cause damage.

The Chinese fringetree is an ideal option for any landscape requiring a small tree. Its adaptability to various soil types makes it particularly suitable for many Carolina gardens. It can be used as a standout specimen tree or incorporated into a mixed shrub border. Like many plants with white flowers, the fringetree looks especially attractive when placed against a dark evergreen backdrop.

In terms of pest issues, the primary concern is damage from deer.