Melia azedarach
Persian lilac
A fast-growing, many-branched deciduous tree, to 15m tall in its native warm temperate India and China. The pinnnate leaves are composed of numerous glossy, ovate leaflets. In spring and early summer it produces a profusion of fragrant, pale lilac, star-shaped flowers in loose, arching clusters; these are followed by ovoid, yellow fruit to 1cm long. It is, however, unlikey to flower or fruit when grown as a conservatory specimen
Other common names
African lilacbakain
see morebead tree
Cape lilac
Ceylon cedar
Ceylon mahogany
chinaberry
false sycamore
hill margosa
holy tree
Indian lilac
lunumidella
margosa tree
pride of China
Syrian bead tree
pride of India
syringa
white cedar
Synonyms
Melia azedarach var. japonica
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | Yellow | |
| Autumn | Green | Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N. India, China
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring, or root softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
See pruning group 1; plants under glass may require restrictive pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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