Japanese tree lilac is larger than the shrub lilacs and blooms a little later. It produces large clusters of small creamy-white, fragrant flowers.
More Information
Native Geographic Location and Habitat
It is native to Japan.
Bark Description
The tree lilac has reddish-brown, cherry-like bark with elongated lenticels.
Leaf Description
It exhibits dark green simple leaves in pairs (opposite) on stems that are ovate with a rounded base. Leaves fall in autumn with little color change (yellow green).
Flower Description
Small, creamy white, fragrant flowers are held in large clusters 6 to 12 inches high. Blooms slightly later than the shrub lilacs.
Fruit Description
The fruit is dry capsules, usually in large enough quantities that they add some interest to the late summer landscape.
Care Knowledge
Plant Care
Prune after flowering. It is tolerant of drought conditions, but would benefit from supplemental watering during dry conditions.
Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances
Bacterial blight and leaf spots are possible. Good resistance to powdery mildew, scale insects, and borers.
Cultivars
Golden Eclipse Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata ssp. reticulata ‘Golden Eclipse’):
A more compact form growing to 24 feet high. Leaves develop gold edges as the season progresses.
Ivory Pillar™ Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata ssp. reticulata ‘Willamette’):
This cultivar has a narrow, upright form, growing 25 feet high by 15 feet wide.
Ivory Silk Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata ssp. reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’):
A more compact cultivar at 20 to 25 feet in height. It flowers profusely and begins to flower at an early age.
Signature™ Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata ssp. reticulata ‘Sigzam’):
Flower clusters more rounded and smaller than those of ‘Ivory Silk’. Flowers a week or two later than ‘Ivory Silk’.
Snowdance™ Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata ssp. reticulata ‘Bailnce’):
Flowers at an early age and flowers very prolifically. Grows to 20 feet high and wide.
