Fraxinus ornus 'MECZEK' manna ash, flowering ash

Meczek is a special variety of flowering ash which, in direct contradiction to its name, does not flower. It has another feature for which its is one of the top popular trees for small gardens and narrow streets - small, slow growing, compact crown. It is mop-shaped to almost perfectly rounded and needn't be trimmed or pruned to maintain its shape. It was selected in Hungary in 1980's.

Thanks to its slow growth it can make only some 10-15 cm per year. The crowns are literally packed with foliage making it impenetrable and a great shelter for birds. Pinnate leaves are glossy, mid to dark green, with bronze shades when they emerge. Autumn colours are orange red to vivid burgundy.

Ashes are quite soil tolerant provided it is well drained, but will do best in humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil. Fully hardy to min. -29°C.

Last update 05-02-2008; 08-12-2019