White Fringetree

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

20 - 25 Feet

Mature Spread

12 - 20 Inches

Growing Zones

3 to 9

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.