Chionanthus retusus ~ Chinese fringe tree

Chinese fringe tree - Chionanthus, NOT Loropetalum. Anyone working with this material?? I think Todd Ellis has one. After it finishes blooming I'll cut it back and do some wiring so you can see what it really looks like. You just have to let it go crazy in the spring if you want to see the flowers...

Looks to have a great base! I'm looking forward to seeing the overall structure after the flowering is done.

Does this one have fragrant flowers? We have one of the American fringe trees (Chionanthus virginicus) as a yard tree and the fragrance is delicious...though somewhat subtle. I've wondered if it could be used as bonsai...probably have to be a pretty large specimen.

Hey Chris. Yes, slightly fragrant. But it's cool here this morning (60), so maybe it will be more noticeable later in the day. I don't think C. v. would make a very good bonsai. They are so stiff and course, and the leaves are so big - but who knows??

Really? No one????

Russell Coker wrote:


Really? No one????

Russell,

I have a small tree that I'm working with but it has a long way to go to be considered a finished tree. I've had a number of them over the years and while they are not very commonly used, I enjoy them quite alot, but then I'm a Flowering Tree nut!!! From seed they are a bit shy to flower the first time but after that they will flower every year. The bark of this tree is just lovely and the leaves will reduce far better than the American Native (C. virginiana). I have seen one very nice example from Japan a number of years ago in some magazine and it was just awesome. A little used genus but well worth it if you can find some nice material to use. If my tree flowers (it's just budding out now) I'll post a picture of it.

I do have one that I'm working on. I have had it for a few years, a landscape tree, and don't know the species. I suspect it is the same as yours Russell. It does have a nice fragrance and blooms well; the blooms last for about a week before starting to fail. The leaves do reduce well, and the Fall color is yellow; nice. I have reduced it considerably, much more than my picture shows and have high hopes for its future. I like the bark and the nebari is fairly good; just have to find the right shape for it...
Best,
Todd

Todd,

Very nice example of the material!!! Here is the one that I'm working on.

Wow, I've never seen one with such an elogated leaf. If you had asked for an ID I'm not sure I would have said Chinese fringe tree, it looks nothing like mine or any I've seen around here.

Russell Coker wrote:

Wow, I've never seen one with such an elogated leaf. If you had asked for an ID I'm not sure I would have said Chinese fringe tree, it looks nothing like mine or any I've seen around here.

Russell,

yeah, the leaves are a bit large but that's because I have this tree on an aggressive feeding program at the moment to get some size to it albeit slowly. It definately is C. retusa as it flowers every spring but sparingly.

Oh I'm not doubting you, just remarking on the obvious. Go back and look at my first picture compared to yours.

Just to share out, pats on the backs, beautiful trees, and if I may say - I am envious.
Look a smiling Russell - ha ha.
Stay Well All.
Khaimraj