Why Plant White Fringetree?
White Fringe Tree is one of those “best kept secrets”—and if the secret gets out, everyone will want one! In spring, this small, multi-stemmed ornamental tree will grace your garden with fluffy clouds of un-flower-like flowers that look like thin white ribbons. The blossoms will perfume your porch or patio with a wonderful scent that’s soapy-sweet but never overpowering. In late summer, female trees bear grape-like blue berries that are relished by birds. (Fringe Trees are grown from seed, so there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll get a girl.) Happy in sun or shade, moist soil or dry, this adaptable American native could be the answer for any part of your yard needing a little zing.
Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish scientist who got the honor of naming most of the plants we still grow today (it was his system, after all), gave this tree the poetic name Chionanthus (Ki-o-NAN-thus)—Chion meaning “snow” and anthus meaning “flower.” The species name he gave it was virginicus, as it is native to Virginia and several other states in the Southeast. Jefferson grew it at Monticello. Its slow growth has made White Fringetree an uncommon tree in the landscape. Be the first on the block to grow this fine native!
How to use White Fringetree in the landscape?
Who said fringe is out of style? Not us! Well, on a tree anyway...the spreading open habit of this gorgeous tree is perfect for a specimen plant. Green leaves emerge in spring, followed by an abundance of fragrant, lacy white flowers. Yellow foliage graces the branches in fall - quite a seasonal display!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant White Fringetree
The White Fringetree is actually a member of the Lilac family – which would explain the heavenly fragrance of those flowers! White Fringetree is slow growing, and considered to be a relatively small tree, growing to about 20 feet tall. They enjoy full sun and long walks on the beach. White Fringetrees are tolerant of wet soil conditions and are free of pests as well.
How To Water
Fringetree will appreciate regular water during its first few years in the ground and irrigation during long dry spells after it’s established. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each late year. Continue this for three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Prune immediately after flowering as needed to maintain shape, but as a slow grower, pruning may not be required.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
