Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
White Fringetree, or Chionanthus Virginicus, is a small deciduous tree that has deep-green foliage covered with feathered ribbons of white, fringed petals that blossom from mid-May to mid-June. In late summer, White Fringetree produces succulent bunches of indigo fruit that provide food for songbirds and other wildlife critters. In the fall, its leaves turn a vivid bright-yellow color. When mature, it can measure up to 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
White Fringetree is an easy-to-care-for, slow-growing, branching tree that likes full sun. Because of its array of stunning flowers, it is also intoxicatingly fragrant. White Fringetree is native to the southeastern United States. It’s a low-maintenance-yet-showy tree that naturalizes well and has extreme cold hardiness. There are male and female trees. To produce berries, you will need both a male and a female tree. If you only want one tree, we recommend a male for its larger flowers. White Fringetree can be used as a centerpiece in a garden or as part of a windbreak.
White Fringetree Care
The White Fringetree can handle partial shade, but should be planted in full sun to achieve the best blooms. They prefer moist, deep, well-drained, acidic soil. When planting the White Fringetree, dig a hole as deep as the root ball, and two or three times as wide. After placing the tree in the hole, backfill with the removed soil. Water thoroughly and tamp out any air pockets. Continue watering to ensure soil around the roots does not have a chance to completely dry out. Fertilize annually with a light dose of compost or with a balanced fertilizer.
The White Fringetree develops a naturally tight oval shape from ground up. To shape it to look more like a tree, trim the lower limbs and foliage. It is better to do all pruning after flowering to allow maximum time for future buds to develop.
White Fringetree Spacing
Your White Fringetree may grow slowly, but over time they will become quite large. Plan your garden accordingly with ample space. These unique and beautiful trees are a wonderful focal point in the spring, and pair well with late-blooming tulips, phlox, or native columbines.
White Fringetree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 20-25 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 12-20 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Upright, Spreading
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- White Fringelike
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- White Fringetree
- Botanical Name
- CHIONANTHUS VIRGINICUS
- Plant Type
- Tree
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!