How to Care for Chionanthus retusus (Chinese fringetree)

Korean name: 이팝나무

Chionanthus retusus is a deciduous broadleaf tree with oval leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It produces white, cone-shaped flowers that create a lively appearance. The plant is relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for gardens.

Key facts

• Category: Garden tree & shrub
• Difficulty: Easy
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: China, Korea, Japan
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Pets: No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.
• Traits: deciduous, flowering tree, cold hardy, garden tree, beginner friendly
• Also known as: Chinese fringetree, Fringetree

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright shade rather than direct sunlight.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil.
• Humidity: Adapts well to normal indoor humidity.
• Temperature: -15 to 30°C
• Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.

Common questions

How often should you water Chionanthus retusus?

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Chionanthus retusus?

It likes Prefers bright shade rather than direct sunlight.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Prefers well-drained soil..

Is Chionanthus retusus safe around pets?

No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.

Is Chionanthus retusus good for beginners?

Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Keep it around -15 to 30°C. Humidity: Adapts well to normal indoor humidity.. Fertilise Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn..