Chinese Ash

Common Names: Chinese ash, 白蜡 (bái là)
Native Origin: China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Vietnam

Chinese Ash or Fraxinus chinensis is very similar in appearance to the Border Privet. However, its trunk is more polished or whiter in comparison to the Border Privet. In addition its leaves has serrate, saw-toothed edges (as shown below); whereas Border Privets’ leaves are round.

CARE GUIDE

• very tolerant to full sun
• grows very well in fertile soil mix. Note: it is important to ensure good drainage and provide adequate water to keep the plant from drying out. However, do not allow the substratum from being excessively soaked with water.
• repot every 2-3 years
• very hardy; cold resistant up to approximately -8’C. Fraxinus chinensis only requires frost protection when temperature drops below -10’C. Fraxinus chinensis that were placed outdoors will shed its leaves during winter. Rest assured that new growth will return quickly following spring
• for decorative purpose, Fraxinus chinensis can be placed indoors for about 15 days and should be moved back outdoors accordingly.

PLANT FOOD
Feed nutrients every two weeks during its growing season and reduce feeding frequency to once a month during winter.

PRUNING x SHAPING
Trim and remove leaves/shoots/branches accordingly during the growing season. This will promote compact foliage and growth of new branches. Should tree require hard pruning, perform extensive pruning during winter. Hard pruning is best done during Winter until early Spring. Naturally, the same logic can be applied for wiring.

PROPAGATION
I do not have any propagation experience. But it can porpagate via cuttings, grafting and seeds.

PESTS x DISEASES
Generally trouble free.