Oleaceae

Chionanthus

kee-oh-NAN-thuss Audio
Chionanthus retusus

The trees and shrubs in the genus Chionanthus  are unrivaled in beauty for their pendulous and diaphanous clusters of delicate white blossoms, which appear in May or June. Female specimens produce blue-black fruits in autumn.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsChionanthus make sublime specimens in the landscape.  The leaves are late to emerge in the spring; some flower before leafing out. There is great variability in the individual forms, some are wide and spreading, others form single-stemmed, small trees. Some species are native to North America.

CareGrow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun.

PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in fall; germination can take 18 months.

ProblemsInfrequent.

Species and cultivars

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide