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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
    Available Early Spring 2026
    £50.00 each 
    Available Early Spring 2026 - Spring according to the Met office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore early spring is early March to mid-April. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
     
    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 Detailed Plant Description

     

    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
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    Useful extras...

    Vermin & Pest Control
    Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails. Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
    800g
    £6.50
    Vermin & Pest Control
    This is a non-biological non-chemical plant insecticide and mildewcide. Works against the physical motion of the insect. Perfect for all plants and edible crops.
    500 ml
    £8.00
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
    Improves vegetable, fruit and flower quality. Blood, Fish and Bone contains three major nutrients essential for strong and healthy growth.
    1.5 kg
    £6.50
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