Species White Fringetree
Brown-green stems filled with green leaves and white flowers.

White Fringetree

Chionanthus virginicus

Also Known As - Old Man's Beard,Fringe Tree
The White Fringetree is an amazing species of plant because of its gorgeous look and versatility. It is a small to medium sized deciduous shrub or tree that features delicate white flowers in early summer that give off a sweet fragrance. The leaves are fragrant when crushed, and turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. It is drought tolerant, and attracts birds, butterflies and other pollinators to its flowers. It can also be used as a specimen tree, as a hedge plant, or as part of a mixed border. The White Fringetree is a most delightful and attractive species, bringing a wealth of beauty and wildlife to any garden.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4

Flowers:

Creamy white Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

blue,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

watering

White Fringetree is an easy-to-care-for species that requires infrequent watering. For the first 3 years after planting, they should be watered weekly. After 3 years, they should only be watered during times of drought or extreme heat. Water deeply but be careful not to over-water. Give each plant at least 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for every inch of trunk diameter every week for the first 3 years. New trees should be watered with 1 to 2 gallons per week afterward.

sunlight

White Fringetree thrives in full sun, meaning it should have direct exposure to the sun for the majority of the day. The tree's optimum growing conditions are 8-10 hours of direct sunlight per day. If planting in partial shade, it should at least receive 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Ideally, the White Fringetree should be placed in an area of the garden that receives full sun in the morning.

pruning

White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) benefits from light pruning during the late winter or early spring just before the new growth begins. This species responds well to a light pruning of any unruly branches or extra density in the center of the plant. Pruning can result in improved air circulation and light penetration to the center of the plant, and also helps promote flowering. Cut back the long shoots by half their length and remove any dead or diseased wood. Prune sparingly, as this species blooms on the previous season's growth. Heavy pruning of this species should be avoided.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Chionanthus virginicus is in late summer, usually August and September.

Starts Flowering

White Fringetree typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Chionanthus virginicus is in late summer, usually August and September.

Hardiness Map