What is a fringe tree?
Common names for fringetree include old man’s beard, flowering ash, grandfather graybeard, and white fringetree. A small deciduous multi-stemmed tree, fringetree reaches heights of 12 to 20 feet as an ornamental, up to 30 feet in the wild. Fringetree generally grows from 12 to 20 feet tall and wide, with a multi-stemmed rounded habit, though it can be trained into a single trunk. Fringetree grows about 6 to 10 inches each year.White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) With a maximum height of about thirty feet or so and a spread that is often similar, this isn’t the most imposing tree, but its stature belies its graceful beauty. Other common names for this plant include grancy graybeard and, simply fringetree.
Where is the best place to plant a fringe tree?
Chinese fringe tree is tolerant of a wide range of site conditions. It grows well in full sun to partial shade, can handle occasional drought or wet feet, has few pest problems, and—as mentioned—can thrive in the heat. Chinese Fringe tree can be propagated with difficulty from rooted cuttings but American Fringe tree cannot be propagated from cuttings at all. They are sometimes grafted onto Ash tree rootstock but the resulting plants are not very vigorous.
How to grow a fringe tree?
In the woods, our native fringe tree is typically found in moist environments, but for cultivated landscapes, it will do well in just about any location if it is mulched and watered regularly. While this ornamental can be planted in partially shaded spots, its flower power will have more oomph in constant sun. In the landscape, site your fringetree in average to moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6. The fringetree will grow in partial shade to full sun. For prolific blooms, choose full sun; for brilliant autumn color, part shade is best.