Chinese fringetree is an wonderful small, deciduous tree with upright and arching branches that form a soft dome. Leaves are a soft green with downy-white undersides, turning yellow in the fall. Clusters of white, fragrant, fringe-like flowers appear in profusion in May and June. Bark is grey-brown and exfoliating; very attractive in winter. It requires consistent training/pruning to be maintained as a tree, otherwise, it is a glorious, low-maintanance graceful, arching shrub. Grows about 15 to 20 feet tall and wide.
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun. Prefers deep, fertile, acidic soils. Seldom needs pruning if a shrubby form is preferred. Tolerant of air pollution and adapts well to urban settings. Intolerant of prolonged dry conditions.