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

Chinese tree lilac

Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis 'Jinyuan'

The Chinese tree lilac is a large shrub or small tree belonging to the Oleaceae family. It produces white clusters of fragrant flowers in the summer. The leaves are glossy, pointed ovals, 2–6 inches long. Its bark is reddish-grey with a smooth texture. 'Jinyuan' is a cultivar of the species that produces larger, long-lasting flowers and dark green foliage. It can reach a height of 15 to 25 feet and can be used as a dramatic accent in the landscape. As with many members of the lilac family, Chinese tree lilac is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

Creamy yelllow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

The Chinese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis 'Jinyuan') is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that doesn't need a lot of water. However, it is important to water the tree enough for it to establish a healthy root system. During the spring and summer months, water your Chinese tree lilac deeply 1-2 times a week, allowing the top couple inches of soil to dry out between waterings. In the fall and winter, the plant will need much less water. As a general rule of thumb, when in doubt, it’s better to water lightly than to overwater your tree.

sunlight

Chinese tree lilac requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day throughout the growing season, which is typically from spring through fall. It is best to plant the tree lilac in a location that receives full sun all, or most of the day. When sunlight is intense, partial shade is beneficial in the afternoon. It is important to note that direct sunlight is the most important light quality for Chinese tree lilac and it should not be grown in shaded areas.

pruning

Chinese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis 'Jinyuan') should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring. Pruning should only be done to remove dead branches, to open up the shrub's canopy, or to shape or contain its size. For shaping, selectively prune 1-third of the branches each year, cutting just above a bud or an outward-facing bud. You can also prune out multiple branches from separate part of the plant if you need to reduce the size of the shrub. Make sure to sterilize your pruning shears prior to cutting, and avoid overpruning the plant.

Season

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

Chinese tree lilac typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Starts Flowering

Chinese tree lilac typically starts flowering in late May or early June.

Hardiness Map