Shining Fringe Tree Plant Care

Shining Fringe Tree (Chionanthus lucens) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Chionanthus genus. Shining Fringe Tree is native to Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

Shining Fringe Tree displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Shining Fringe Tree produces fragrant clusters of white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shining Fringe Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Shining Fringe Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Chionanthus lucens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Shining Fringe Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Shining Fringe Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shining Fringe Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shining Fringe Tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Shining Fringe Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Shining Fringe Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Shining Fringe Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Shining Fringe Tree can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese fringe tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Shining Fringe Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Shining Fringe Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Shining Fringe Tree is native to Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Shining Fringe Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.