Chinese Fringe Tree Tree Seeds | (Chionanthus retusus)
Chinese Fringe Tree Tree Seeds | (Chionanthus retusus)
Graceful, fragrant, and delicately ornamental.
Chionanthus retusus, known as the Chinese Fringe Tree, is a stunning deciduous ornamental valued for its cascading clusters of pure white, fringe-like flowers that appear in late spring. Each bloom releases a light, sweet fragrance that drifts through the air, earning it the nickname “snow flower tree.” When in full bloom, it creates a soft, cloud-like display that transforms gardens into serene sanctuaries.
Native to China, Korea, and Japan, this species is closely related to the American Fringe Tree but is more compact, longer-lived, and more tolerant of urban conditions. It thrives as a specimen tree, foundation accent, or part of a pollinator-friendly garden, offering four-season interest—from its spring blossoms to its glossy summer foliage and fall fruit loved by birds.
Why Choose Chinese Fringe Tree?
- Showy, fragrant white flowers create a “snowfall” effect in spring
- Compact, adaptable, and ideal for small yards or urban landscapes
- Dark green summer foliage turns golden in fall
- Attracts pollinators in bloom and provides fruit for songbirds later in the season
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Chionanthus retusus
- Germination Rate: 82%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: North Carolina
- Stratification: Warm-moist stratification for 60 days, followed by 90 days cold stratification
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; prefers loam or sandy soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall × 15–20 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1–2 ft per year)
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, or 50 seeds
FAQ
Do Chinese Fringe Tree seeds need stratification?
Yes. They require a warm-moist period of 60 days followed by 90 days of cold stratification to break dormancy and promote germination.
How long until the Chinese Fringe Tree blooms?
Typically, trees grown from seed will begin flowering within 5–8 years under favorable growing conditions.
What wildlife does it support?
Its spring blossoms attract bees and butterflies, while its dark blue fall fruits are eaten by robins, cardinals, and cedar waxwings.
Evergreen Seed Co. provides high-germination, carefully tested seeds for growers nationwide. Each packet includes detailed growing instructions to help you cultivate rare and resilient trees with confidence.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
