Chinese Fringe Tree (Chionanthus retusus 'Tokyo Tower') is a deciduous flowering tree native to China, Korea, and Japan, prized for its profuse spring display of fragrant white flowers that emerge in May and June. Hardy in zones 6 to 9, this elegant tree grows 12 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, though it can reach considerably larger dimensions when given space. The flowers give way to showy fruits that attract birds, making this a dual-season ornamental that thrives in full sun to partial shade and handles moderate water needs with minimal maintenance.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-9
180in H x 72in W
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High
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In late spring, this tree erupts in clouds of delicately fragrant white flowers arranged in terminal clusters so profuse they practically obscure the foliage. The blooms are followed by decorative fruits that persist into the growing season, creating a second wave of visual interest while also feeding passing birds. Because it tolerates air pollution and adapts readily to urban settings, it brings refined beauty to yards and public spaces where many ornamentals struggle.
Chinese Fringe Tree serves as an exceptional flowering tree in residential and urban landscapes, where its moderate mature size and low maintenance needs fit comfortably into most garden designs. It excels in rain gardens and other moisture-responsive plantings, where its preference for well-drained yet consistently moist soil allows it to thrive. The tree's appeal to birds makes it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens, while its fragrant spring flowers and showy fruits sustain interest across multiple seasons.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Seldom needs pruning. Remove any crossing branches or deadwood to maintain an attractive natural form. If training as a single-trunk tree rather than allowing the natural multi-stemmed shrub habit, select one strong leader while young and remove competing stems.
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“Chionanthus retusus shares its botanical significance with its American cousin, the native fringetree (C. virginicus), but brings an Asian perspective to the genus. This species comes from the temperate regions of China, Korea, and Japan, where it has long been valued in gardens for its exceptional spring flowering. The 'Tokyo Tower' selection represents a refinement of this species for cultivation, selected for superior ornamental qualities and adapted to perform well across a wider range of North American growing conditions.”