One
of my all time favorite flowering shrubs or small trees. Why isn't this plant
more available? probably because it is somewhat difficult to propagate from
seed only. Retusa and virginia will grow in Austin Texas but retusa will be
a superior performer.
Virginiana is native to the east coast and prefers more of a acidic deeper soil
and wet environment. Retusa is from china and likes thicker soil and moisture
but i have seen it holding on in thin limey soils. It prefers full sun if it
gets its moisture requirement met. But remember that it looks best with a dark
green or shadowed background so that the flowers show better.
The
range for chionanthus retusa is quite large i am sure. I do not know its cold
hardiness. It is an early bloomer around early April and holds it s flowers
for a good two weeks.
This
is a great plant used incorrectly. The flowers are not easily visible and are
faded by the bright sun.
Even
though this tree is planted on a limestone wall the flowers are very visible
and showy
This
is an example of planting with a nice shaded background, which makes the flowers
pure as the driven snow.
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