Chionanthus virginicus

A robust member of the olive family, Chionanthus virginicus has bold, dark green foliage and delicately fragrant, white flower panicles up to 20 cm long in May or June.

Originally introduced from the East of North America in 1736 it is perfectly hardy in the British climate although we find that it will flower most freely where it is exposed to the full heat of the sun in midsummer.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade (best flower display in plenty of sun)
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soils. Avoid waterlogged soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy. Chionanthus virginicus will produce more flowers in a warm and sunny garden.
• Flowering Period: May - June.
• Rate of Growth: Slow to moderate.
• Habit: Medium sized branching shrub in the short term or eventually large, broad headed shrub once established.
  • Height: 3 - 4 m (13 ft)
  • Spread: 3 m (10 ft)

• Notes: We have a specimen of Chionanthus virginicus, planted in the arboretum surrounding our nursery. After 8 years it had reached a height of 2 m and a spread of 1.5 m.