Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'
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Tried and True Recommended by 8 Professionals
Common Name: Japanese tree lilac
Type: Tree
Family: Oleaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 20 to 25 feet
Spread: 15 to 20 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: Creamy white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Other: Winter Interest
Wildlife: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Deer
Uses: Flowering Tree, Street Tree

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but best bloom is in full sun. Prefers rich, moist, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Needs good air circulation. To the extent practicable for a small tree, prompt removal of faded flower panicles before seed set will increase bloom in the following year. Prune immediately after flowering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This Japanese tree lilac cultivar is a small tree or large shrub which typically grows 20-25' tall with a rounded crown. Creamy white, fragrant, single flowers are arranged in dense, terminal clusters (panicles to 12" long). Blooms later than most other species of lilac (late May to early June in St. Louis). Elliptic to ovate, dark green leaves (to 5" long). Attractive reddish-brown bark.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. This lilac is considered to be a low maintenance plant with excellent resistance to powdery mildew and other common lilac diseases. Young leaves are susceptible to frost injury in spring.

Garden Uses

Specimen or small groups. Street tree, lawn specimen, property line screen, near buildings.

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