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Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)

Japanese Tree Lilac

Syringa reticulata, Japanese Tree Lilac, Lilac Tree, Yellow Flowers, White Flowers, Fragrant Lilac
Syringa reticulata, Japanese Tree Lilac, Lilac Tree, Yellow Flowers, White Flowers, Fragrant Lilac
Syringa reticulata, Japanese Tree Lilac, Lilac Tree, Yellow Flowers, White Flowers, Fragrant Lilac

Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac) is a large shrub or small tree with an oval to rounded crown. In early summer, a profusion of huge clusters, 6-12 in. long (15-30 cm), packed with musky-scented, tiny creamy-white flowers adorn the tree for about two weeks. The blossoms give way to loose clusters of tan capsules that persist well into the winter months. The erect branches are clothed in sharply-tipped, lanceolate to ovate, dark green leaves that remain attractive in summer. Equally handsome is the lustrous, reddish-brown exfoliating bark with horizontal lenticels reminiscent of cherry bark. Highly resistant to mildew and scale, Japanese Tree Lilac is best grown in cool summer climates and is not recommended for planting south of USDA Zone 7. Attractive as a small landscape tree or large shrub. Use as a specimen.

  • Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (4.5-6 m).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but the best flower production occurs in full sun. Prefers organically rich, moist, slightly acidic soils with good drainage. Needs good air circulation. Tolerates urban conditions.
  • No serious insect or disease problems. This tree shows resistance to bacterial blight, powdery mildew, scale insects, and lilac borers.
  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and insect pollinators.
  • Perfect as a specimen and for foundation plantings.
  • Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
  • Native to Japan.

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Learn how to grow lush, healthy, and gorgeous Lilacs

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Syringa
Common names Lilac, Japanese Tree Lilac
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early)
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Syringa josikaea (Hungarian Lilac)
Syringa Baby Kim (Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora Scentara Pura® (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Royal Purple’ (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Angel White’ (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa vulgaris ‘Blue Skies’ (Lilac)

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Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac)
How to Plant, Grow and Care for Lilac Bushes
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Syringa x hyacinthiflora (Early Flowering Lilac)
Wonderful Lilacs for the Upper South Region
Blooming Seasons of Lilacs
Great Companion Plants For Your Lilacs
Wonderful Lilacs for the Lower South Region
Wonderful Lilacs for the Middle South Region
Pretty Lilacs for Small Gardens
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Syringa
Common names Lilac, Japanese Tree Lilac
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early)
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Syringa (Lilac)
Guides with
Syringa (Lilac)
Not sure which Syringa (Lilac) to pick?
Compare Now

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