Japanese tree lilac

Japanese tree lilacs require moderate to regular amounts of water to stay healthy and robust. The recommended watering schedule is to provide 1 inch of water each week or every 5 to 7 days. The best way to figure out if your Japanese tree lilac needs watering is to check the soil surfaces of the pot or surrounding planting area before and after watering. A moisture meter or trowel can also be used to check the soil depth to ensure that the entire root system is getting adequate watering. If the soil remains dry for an extended period of time, supplement with extra water.

Japanese tree lilac requires full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and preferably 8 hours a day. The best times of day for Japanese tree lilac to receive sunlight are from around 9 am to around 4 pm on bright days. For optimal growth and flowering, it should get direct sunlight for as much of that time as possible, although some light shade is tolerated during the hottest parts of the day.

Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk') can be pruned twice a year- once in early spring before new growth begins, and then again in mid- to late summer, typically after flowering. Early spring pruning should involve removing dead, damaged, and broken branches, and shaping the plant can be done at this time. Prune out flowering stems from the current season’s growth after flowering in mid-summer, and any very old and thick growth that may be difficult to shape. Prune back the remaining stems to desired shape and size to control size and shape of the plant. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, as this tree does not require much to be kept healthy and attractive.