Trees · Fringe trees
Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower'
Chionanthus retusus 'Tokyo tower'
In USDA zones 7b–8a around Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower' is a tree used in Triangle yards when mature size, sun, and drainage fit the bed. Piedmont clay rewards a wide planting hole, a slightly high crown, and steady first-season water. Give it the open sky it wants; west-facing walls in July still cook tender foliage. Seasonal flowers are usually why it earns a street-facing spot. Fall planting is the usual window here; water through the first summer no matter the calendar.
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Key facts for the Triangle
- Botanical name
- Chionanthus retusus 'Tokyo tower'
- Common name
- Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower'
- Plant type
- Trees
- Group
- Fringe trees
- Hardiness here
- USDA 7b–8a (Raleigh–Durham Triangle)
- Light
- Part sun / part shade
- Water
- Deep, consistent water while establishing
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Leaf habit
- See overview
- Best planting window
- Fall (October–November) in the Piedmont; spring after frost as backup
Overview
Chionanthus retusus, the Chinese fringetree, is a flowering plant in the family Oleaceae. It is native to eastern Asia: eastern and central China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
At a glance
Sun
Water & soil
Wildlife
Flowers & fragrance
Common questions
Is Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower' a good plant for Raleigh and the Triangle?
Yes—when the site matches its light and drainage needs. Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower' is used in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary landscapes in USDA zones 7b–8a. Confirm mature width, overhead wires, and how wet the Piedmont clay stays after storms before you plant.
When should I plant Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower' in North Carolina?
Fall (October–November) is the safest window for Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower' in the Piedmont: soil is still warm, air is cooler, and roots can grow before summer. Spring after the last frost works if you can water deeply through the first hot season.
Will Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower' grow in Piedmont clay?
It can, with careful planting: wide hole, crown slightly above grade, and no water sitting on the root flare. Heavy, poorly drained clay is the usual failure mode—not summer heat alone.
How much sun does Chinese Fringe Tree 'Tokyo Tower' need?
It performs best in full sun—about 6 or more hours of direct light. Afternoon shade can help in reflected-heat courtyards, but too little sun usually means weaker flowering or open growth.
Reference context includes Wikipedia (“Chionanthus retusus”), licensed under CC BY-SA.