The Amur lilac is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to the Russian Far East, northern China and the Korean peninsula. The subspecific epithet is Latin for “from Amur,” the region around the Amur River along China's northern border with Russia. Although adaptable to soil pH, it prefers soil in a neutral range. Best flower production and disease resistance is achieved by planting it in full sun, with well-drained soil and good air circulation. It blooms in late spring to early summer. Amur lilac can be grown either as a large shrub or a small tree. It has a glossy bark that peels on younger branches. It is highly similar to the typical form of the Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), but the bark of the Japanese tree lilac is slightly more reddish and darker brown. The Amur lilac is also more rounded and broader than the Japanese tree lilac, which is larger and has a more tree-like habit. Amur lilac is suitable for Asian, cutting, cottage, and butterfly and pollinator gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : The Amur lilac has no serious insect or disease problems. It tends to be resistant to powdery mildew, bacterial blight, scale insects, and borers. More information on Syringa reticulata .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Often confused withSyringa reticulataSyringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis