Chinese Tree Lilac

Syringa reticulata (si-RING-gah reh-tick-yoo-LAY-tuh pee-keen-EN-sis)

Family: Oleaceae Non-native Understory (15-40 ft)

Peking lilac is a deciduous, perennial shrub or small tree in the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to China. The subspecific epithet is Latin for “from Peking,” which is the old Romanized name for Beijing, the capital of China. This plant is upright, arching, loose and open. It prefers loose, well-drained, neutral soil, and should be planted in full sun for best flowering and disease resistance. Although it is naturally multi-stemmed, it can be trained to a single trunk with regular pruning to remove the drooping lower branches. Peking lilac differs from the typical variety of the Japanese tree lilac ( Syringa reticulata ) by its finer texture (due to smaller leaves and stems), smaller flowers, and its variable colorful bark, which exfoliates in thin flakes or sheets. It is also more heat-tolerant (and less cold-hardy) than Japanese tree lilac. It blooms late May into June, and like all lilacs, needs a cold-weather dormancy period to flower. Peking lilac is suitable for Asian, cutting, cottage, and butterfly and pollinator gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Minimal susceptibility to blights, leaf spot, wilt and ring spot virus. Occasional issues with caterpillars and leaf miner. More information on Syringa reticulata .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 65 attributes.