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  • CHIONANTHUS retusus
    CHIONANTHUS retusus
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    CHIONANTHUS retusus  CHIONANTHUS retusus  CHIONANTHUS retusus  CHIONANTHUS retusus
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    CHIONANTHUS retusus

    Commonly known as Chinese fringe tree

    Handsome tall medicinal shrub with snow white flowers in midsummer and damson-like fruits
    Large
    plant size comparison icon
    7.5 Litre   - Click to view photo
    Delivery Information
    Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC
    £50.00 each 
    Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC - Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.
     
    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
    • Flowering
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      Jan
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      Feb
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      Mar
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      Apr
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      May
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      Jun
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      Jul
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      Aug
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      Sep
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      Oct
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      Nov
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      Dec
    • Berries
      These plants have berries.
    • Good to know
      Introduced into UK by Robert Fortune in 1845. Translates as snow flowers. Some plants have male or female flowers only and may not fruit.
    • Medicinal properties
      The root was used, historically, for fever relief and more recently in jaundice treatment.
    • Ornamental bark
    • Pests & Diseases
      None.
    • Place of origin
      China, Taiwan.
    • Deciduous
      Opposite, usually elliptic, glossy leaves 4-10cm (1½-4in) long. Leaves are green above, whitish, hairy beneath, turning yellow in autumn.
    • White
    • Panicles
      Erect panicles 10-18cm (4-7in) long
    • Border
      Suitable for a shrub border
    • Fully hardy
    • Entire
    • Elliptic
    • Height
      3m (10ft)
    • Spread
      3m (10ft)
    • Tall Shrub
      Or small tree. Peeling, or deeply furrowed, bark. Flowers are so productive as to obscure the foliage. Birds eat the fruits.
    • Pruning group 1
      Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
      Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
      When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

    • Hardy - average winter
      Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
    • Scented flowers
    • Summer Seasonal Interest
    • Fertile well drained soil
      Lime tolerant.
    • Full sun
    • Rounded to broadly spreading
    • Mature Size
      3m (10ft)
      Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
        3m (10ft)
       
    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
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    Useful extras...

    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
    1ltr
    £8.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Creates a mini-meadow for attracting bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden. 200g sachet which will cover 3 square metres. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi.
    3m²
    £7.00
    10m²
    £15.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
    Small - 60g sachet
    £3.00
    Medium - 150gm sachet
    £6.00
    Large - 360gram sachet
    £12.00
    Unavailable
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