Chionanthus pubescens Plant Care

Chionanthus pubescens (Chionanthus pubescens) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Chionanthus genus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chionanthus pubescens 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.

Chionanthus pubescens thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Chionanthus pubescens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Chionanthus pubescens prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Chionanthus pubescens 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.

Chionanthus pubescens 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.

Chionanthus pubescens 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 Chionanthus pubescens 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.

Chionanthus pubescens 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.

Chionanthus pubescens 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.

Chionanthus pubescens 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.

Chionanthus pubescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Chionanthus pubescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.