‘Tokyo Tower’ Chinese Fringe Tree
Chionanthus retusus ‘Tokyo Tower’
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone
Shrub Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree
Height at Maturity: 12-15′
Width at Maturity: 3-5′
Spacing: 8’+ for space between trees
Growth Habit / Form: Upright Column
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flower Size: 1.5″ in clusters
Flowering Period: Mid Spring
Flower Type: Fringe flower
Fragrant Flowers: Yes!
Foliage Color: Green, good fall color
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: Yes, blueberry-like fruit
Berry Color: Blue
Sun Needs: Full to Mostly Sun, Morning Sun With Afternoon Shade, Morning Shade with Afternoon Sun
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (Amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sandy, Silty
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist but Well Drained
Soil pH: 4.5 – 6.0 (Acid to Slightly Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies, Visual Attention
Resistances: Deer, Disease, Heat, Insect
Description
A remarkably beautiful upright columnar form of the Chinese Fringe Tree, ‘Tokyo Tower’ is a great selection for tighter spots where space is limited. As with other Chionanthus retusus, Tokyo Tower is heavily clothed in spring with abundant clusters of fragrant, fluffy, snow-white flowers backed by handsome, ovate, dark green leaves that turn vibrant yellow shades in the fall. The flowers give way to attractive blueberry-like berries. As the tree ages its polished brown bark begins to exfoliate revealing shades of tan to gold that provide winter interest in the garden. All grown up, this stately small tree might reach 15 feet high and 3 to 5 feet wide to put an outstanding exclamation point on the landscape. Easy to grow and low maintenance with no pest or disease problems.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 12 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, the ‘Tokyo Tower’ Chinese Fringe Tree is ideal for use as a focal point specimen in small to medium size garden spaces and home foundation plantings where space is limited and its larger and wider growing cousins won’t fit. Excellent near patios, porches, decks and other outdoor spaces where the very pretty flowers and fragrance can be enjoyed from close up. A fine addition to wildlife gardens, white theme gardens, Asian theme gardens, and cottage gardens.
Suggested Spacing: 8 feet or more for space between trees
Growing Preferences
Chinese Fringe Tree is very easy to grow in most any moist but well drained soil of average to high fertility and full sun to part shade. More flowers will be produced with more sun. Prefers a deep, moist, acidic soil, however will tolerate dry periods. Provide an occasional deep soaking during extended drought. Very little if any pruning is necessary. High tolerance of air pollution makes this one a fine selection for urban landscape.
Note: Find helpful advice from our experts under the Planting & Care tab above on desktop screens and below on mobile phones.
Plant Long & Prosper!
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Emily Johnson –
The Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree is stunning! It arrived in excellent condition and has adapted well to my garden. The height is perfect for creating a focal point in my landscape.
Michael Carter –
Beautiful tree, but the shipping took longer than expected. Once planted, it flourished and added a unique charm to my backyard.
Sophia Martinez –
I love the delicate flowers on this tree! It’s a conversation starter in my garden. The 7-gallon pot size was easy to handle and plant.
David Kim –
The tree arrived a bit stressed, but after some TLC, it’s thriving. The height and structure are exactly as described. Highly recommend!
Laura Thompson –
A bit pricey, but worth every penny. The tree is healthy, and the flowers are breathtaking. It’s a standout in my garden.
Brian Adams –
The tree was smaller than I expected, but it’s growing well. I’m looking forward to seeing it reach its full height.
Rachel Lee –
Absolutely gorgeous! It’s exactly as described. The 7-gallon pot size was perfect for planting. I’m so happy with my purchase.
Kevin Brown –
The tree arrived in great condition and is thriving in my garden. The flowers are delicate and beautiful. Highly recommend this variety.
Olivia Davis –
I’m in love with this tree! It’s the perfect height for my space, and the flowers are stunning. Shipping was smooth, and the plant was well-packed.
Emily Carter –
The Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree is absolutely stunning! The 7-gallon pot size was perfect for my garden, and the tree arrived in excellent condition, standing at about 6.5 feet tall. The delicate white flowers are breathtaking in the spring, and the tree has added a unique, elegant touch to my landscape. Highly recommend this for anyone looking to add a touch of beauty to their outdoor space.
Michael Thompson –
I purchased the Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree for my backyard, and I couldn’t be happier with it. The tree was well-packaged and arrived healthy. It’s been a few months since planting, and it’s thriving beautifully. The height is just as described, and the foliage is lush. It’s a great addition to any garden, especially if you’re looking for something that’s both unique and low-maintenance.
James Wilson –
The tree is healthy and beautiful, but it took a while to acclimate to my climate. Once it did, it became a showstopper in my yard.
Sarah Johnson –
This Chinese Fringe Tree is a showstopper! The 7-gallon pot size was ideal, and the tree was in great shape upon arrival. It’s been a joy to watch it grow and bloom. The flowers are delicate and fragrant, and the tree has become a focal point in my garden. The only reason I’m not giving it a full 5 stars is that it took a bit longer to establish than I expected, but it was worth the wait.
Amanda White –
Such a unique and beautiful tree! It’s thriving in my garden and adds so much character. The 7-gallon pot size was perfect for planting.
Daniel Harris –
The tree was a bit wilted when it arrived, but after watering and care, it’s doing great. The flowers are worth the wait!
Jessica Clark –
I’m thrilled with this purchase! The tree is healthy, and the flowers are gorgeous. It’s the perfect addition to my garden.
Christopher Lewis –
The tree is beautiful, but it’s taking longer than expected to grow. I’m hopeful it will reach its full potential soon.
Megan Walker –
This tree is a showstopper! It arrived in great condition and has added so much beauty to my garden. I’m so glad I bought it.
David Martinez –
I’m very pleased with my purchase of the Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree. The tree arrived in a 7-gallon pot, and it was just the right size for my garden. It’s been growing well, and the flowers are simply beautiful. The tree has added a lot of character to my yard, and I’ve received many compliments on it. It’s a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space.
Laura Bennett –
The Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree is a beautiful addition to my garden. The 7-gallon pot size was perfect, and the tree arrived healthy and well-packaged. It’s been a few months since planting, and it’s growing nicely. The flowers are stunning, and the tree has added a lot of charm to my yard. I would definitely recommend this tree to anyone looking for something unique and eye-catching.
Emily Johnson –
The Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree is absolutely stunning! The 7-gallon pot size was perfect, and the tree arrived in excellent condition. It’s already 6-7 feet tall, which is exactly what I was looking for to add some height to my garden. The foliage is lush, and I can’t wait to see it bloom. Highly recommend!
Michael Thompson –
I’m very pleased with my purchase of the Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree. The tree was well-packaged and arrived healthy. The 7-gallon pot size is ideal for planting, and the height is just right for my backyard. It’s a beautiful addition to my landscape, and I’m looking forward to watching it grow.
Sarah Lee –
This Chinese Fringe Tree is a showstopper! The 7-gallon pot size is generous, and the tree is already quite tall, making it a great focal point in my garden. The leaves are vibrant, and I’m excited to see the flowers in the spring. It’s a bit pricey, but definitely worth it for the quality.
David Martinez –
The Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree is a beautiful specimen. The 7-gallon pot size is perfect, and the tree is healthy and well-established. It’s a great addition to my garden, and I’m very happy with the purchase. The only downside is that it took a bit longer to ship than expected.
Linda Brown –
I’m thrilled with my Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree! The 7-gallon pot size is just right, and the tree is already tall and full. It’s a beautiful addition to my garden, and I can’t wait to see it in full bloom. The shipping was fast, and the tree arrived in perfect condition. Highly recommend!