Chionanthus virginicus |
Origin: Eastern North America
Zone Range: 4-9
Preferred Situation: Full/semi sun; well draining evenly moist (not waterlogged) average soil.
Harvest Date: Saturday 02 February, 2008
Description:
Rare Deciduous North American flowering 5m multi-stemmed shrub. Sweet honey-lilac scented flowers hang in abundance, sometimes covering the entire tree. Loved by nectar seekers. Glossy leaves turn a vivid yellow in autumn. Dark blue berries olive sized fruit loved by birds.
Notes:
Gendered species. Flowers at early age; male give greater display. Tolerant of summer drought. This species then needs the cool temps for the green tops to emerge. Seedlings/plants transplant well.
Cultivation:
Break dormancy: soak in water 24 hours; sow 6 mm deep; keep moist; warm stratify (16 C); some seedlings start emerging after 45 days: 120 days is average; prick out & transplant as seedlings need cold (4 C) for 60 days for proper development. Alternatively, for those who like to germinate in a baggie, moist peat is the best medium to use. The clear plastic allows one to see any germinating roots. For this species, I found that its best to prick out when the seed root appears then CAREFULLY transplant it in on gallon pot full of good sterile medium. Do not let freeze.
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