Species Amur lilac
cream-white flowers with green leaves and light-green stems

Amur lilac

Syringa reticulata subsp. amurensis

The Amur Lilac is a deciduous shrub native to the Amur River Basin in East Asia. Its scientific name is Syringa reticulata subsp amurensis, and it can grow up to 5 meters in height. The dark green foliage is oval-shaped and its delicate clusters of pink-purple flowers blossom in late spring, offering a delicate and sweet scent. It prefers thin, moist and acidic soils, yet is tolerant of a variety of habitats and soil types, making it a versatile choice for gardens and landscapes. It is easy to care for and can establish itself with minimal maintenance. It is both drought and cold hardy and can thrive in areas of harsh climates.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Amur lilac should be watered deeply and infrequently. To encourage deep root growth and ensure that the soil is completely saturated, water the soil around the plant with a slow trickle for an hour or more every 2 weeks during blooming season. In the early spring and in summer months, water more frequently if the soil gets too dry, and less in winter months. If rainfall is abundant, then supplementary watering may not be necessary.

sunlight

Amur lilac requires full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine, preferably in the morning, to encourage blooming and a bushier growth. In areas with long summers and strong sunlight, plants may need light shade in the late afternoon. Amur lilac prefers cool summers and does not do well in hot, humid climates.

pruning

Amur lilac should be pruned lightly in early spring, just before leaf growth begins. Prune off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Remove any dead foliage from the previous season and then selectively prune out any long, leggy limbs. This will help to promote a bushier form. For shaping and controlling the size of the shrub, remove 1-third of the oldest, overgrown branches, cutting them back to the ground or down to a lateral bud.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Amur lilac typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Starts Flowering

Amur lilac typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Hardiness Map