Japanese tree lilac

The Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) is the largest species of lilac grown here, usually growing around 18-20 ft. but occasionally it can be as tall as 40 ft. Native to cold places in China, Japan, and Siberia, the Japanese tree lilac is a slow growing and has large green leaves and sizeable clusters of creamy yellow to ivory colored flowers in late spring or early summer. Seen in full bloom, it is quite stunning! Japanese tree lilacs are the last of the lilacs to bloom, they are hardy and long lived, and they have no pest or disease issues. The smooth, coppery brown bark is attractive in the winter.

Although they thrive on good soil and care, they are drought tolerant once established and require very little attention.

‘Ivory Silk’ is a particularly vigorous, popular cultivar that has been around for many years. ‘Beijing Gold’ is similar but has somewhat shinier bark, and ‘Golden Eclipse’ has intensely yellow variegated foliage in the spring that slowly ages to solid green.