Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis
Peking lilac
A deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 5m high, with arching stems, peeling bark and long, oval- to lance-shaped dark green leaves with pointed tips. Clusters of small, fragrant, creamy white flowers are produced in early to midsummer
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Syringa can be deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple, entire or rarely pinnate leaves and conical panicles of small, very fragrant, 4-lobed tubular flowers in late spring or early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N China
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich alkaline to neutral soils. Will tolerate some light shade but flowering is best in full sun. Mulch well in spring
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings or by layering in early summer, by grafting in winter or by chip budding in midsummer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, trim immediately after flowering if necessary (see pruning group 1)
Pests
May be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, thrips and willow scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus, phytophthora, powdery mildews and bacterial canker
Get involved
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