What soil does Manna ash grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Manna ash be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Manna ash flower?

Flowering: April–June, white.

How much water does Manna ash need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Manna ash

Fraxinus ornus

Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus) is a large tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €81.

Illustration of Manna ash — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Manna ash is a medium-sized tree with a rounded crown that covers itself in creamy white, scented flower plumes around May and turns yellow to burgundy in autumn. It copes well with heat, drought, limy soil and city air, which makes it one of the most dependable trees for a sunny, dry spot. For a small garden pick the grafted globe or columnar forms, because the plain species grows a wide crown in time, and keep it out of waterlogged ground.

Watch out for

Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), which is killing common ash across Central Europe, hardly affects manna ash: at most it infects the leaves and does not normally cause shoot dieback. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), introduced from Asia, is spreading west from Eastern Europe and is a threat to ashes in general; how badly it attacks manna ash is still uncertain, although some observations suggest it is attacked less. Young shoots can be scorched by late spring frost, and the branches are brittle in storms and under snow.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 3.5 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, white

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	5 m × 3.5 m
Ultimate size	8–15 m × 6–12 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–June, white
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	600 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €81

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €81

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that give shade Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Plants with autumn colour Large trees with autumn colour

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Manna ash vs Black locust Manna ash vs European ash Manna ash vs Narrow-leaved ash

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