Pollination is by insects, including hawk moths. The Olive or Oleaceae family also contains privet and forsythia. Growth is best on moist, well-drained, fertile soils and full sun. Japanese tree lilac grows 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of 15 to 25 feet. In early summer, a profusion of huge clusters, 6-12 in. For best results, plant them carefully and then keep the soil moist but not soggy during the growing season. reticulata 'Golden Eclipse'): A more compact form (to 24 feet high). What is a Japanese Lilac Tree? The stems are dark gray to gray-brown, and the wood is strong. The annual growth rate of the tree is 12 to 18 inches. The Japanese lilac "Ivory Silk" tree grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 6, and sometimes into zone 7, according to the University of Florida. In shades of lilac, light purple, or lavender, the clusters of four petal flowers bloom in April or May. Japanese tree lilac adapts well to difficult or urban sites. It is fast growing when young, but slows to about one foot a year with age. Bark resembles cherry bark; older trees develop scaly, grayish plates. Leaves are simple, opposite, entire, ovate, and 3 to 6 inches long, half as wide, with long, tapered tip. Although a member of the lilac family, the white appearance of the tree differs substantially from … Syringa has about 30 species of trees and shrubs native to Europe and Asia. Syringa is from the Greek syrinx, which means “pipe” and refers to the hollow stems; reticulata means “netted” or “net-veined” and refers to the leaf venation. Plants can be grown as large shrubs or small trees. Japanese tree lilac is named for Japan and the tree-like form. Japanese tree lilac grows 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of 15 to 25 feet. Culture. The deciduous leaves turn pale greenish-brown in autumn before dropping. Leaves are simple, opposite, entire, ovate, and 3 to 6 inches long, half as wide, with long, tapered tip. Propagation is by seed or softwood cuttings. They can be added to mixed borders and windbreaks as an eye-catching, fragrant tree that … It is a little smaller than the species with a height of up to 20 feet. Annual Growth A large shrub or a small tree, the Japanese lilac adorns itself with white flowers during the summer months. reticulata 'Willamette'): A more narrow, upright form (25 … The habit is graceful, with spreading branches that form an oval to rounded crown. Golden Eclipse Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata ssp. The Vitex tree botanical name: Agnus-castus. This tree enjoys locations that receives full sunlight and well-draining soil. Lilacs grow fastest in full sun, in rich soil, and with plenty of water during dry spells. All lilac bushes are fast-growing shrubs that add at least 6 to 8 inches of growth per year. Beautiful spiky dark lilac blooms in late spring and early summer. Trees bloom at a young age and are compact with a dense, rounded form. Japanese tree lilac is native to northern Japan. tall and wide sometimes taller after 30 years. Bark and stems are glossy reddish-brown, with numerous lenticels. Flowers are creamy-white and borne in long panicles up to 12 inches long at the ends of the branches. Privacy Policy | Policies and Guidelines | Research | Press Room | Site Map. The Japanese lilac is a deciduous, tree-form lilac. It likes full Sun – USDA Zones 6-10. It is a mid-size tree belonging to the olive family that is grown for the panicles of white flowers it bears for about two weeks in early summer. The May blooming flowers are typically purple to lilac but cultivars also come in magenta, pink and white. The habit is graceful, with spreading branches that form an oval to rounded crown. Growing Japanese lilac trees near a window allows you to enjoy the flowers and fragrance indoors, but make sure you leave plenty of room for the tree’s 20-foot spread. The somewhat fragrant flower clusters bloom in early summer and remain attractive for 1 to 2 weeks. Flowering begins at a young age on this sturdy, compact tree. Sign up and receive special information about our programs and events. The leaves are dark green to blue-green above and pale green below. The medium to dark green leaves are slightly fuzzy beneath. Leaves develop gold edges as the season progresses. To some extent, the growth rate will depend on how well sited they are and how well you take care of them while they are becoming established. Also called the Chaste tree, Chasteberry, and Lilac Chaste Berry. It is extremely hardy and thrives with little care which make it a lovely shrub for a specimen planting, in masses, screens, hedges, or mixed in shrub borders. Japanese tree lilac is the most trouble-free lilac. Copyright © 2019 Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest | Bernheim is an Arbnet level 4 certified garden It is a prolific bloomer that makes an excellent street tree or specimen. Japanese lilac trees provide homes and shelter for wildlife. Plants are found growing on cliffs and in scrub, usually on limestone. Trees are easily transplanted and adaptable to poor, compacted or dry soils. The capsules appear in large clusters that remain on the plant through winter. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Use one as an anchor in a foundation planting at the corner of your house or a commercial building. Award-winner Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' (Japanese Tree Lilac) is a large shrub or small tree with an oval to rounded crown. Capsules contain 2 winged seeds. It will not grow well in subtropical or tropical climates. Japanese tree lilac is the only species that attains a tree-like form and size. Japanese tree lilac is adaptable to a variety of soils in full sun sites. Trees are excellent for use as specimens, in group planting as a screen, and as street trees. Japanese Tree Lilac is one of the easier flowering trees to grow, and it may just be that it is not old enough yet to flower every year. The fruit is a cluster of capsules containing seeds that are scattered by wind. After the flowers fade, the tree produces seed capsules that attract songbirds to the garden. Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) spreads by sending out suckers in all directions, causing some gardeners to consider it invasive. Plants can be grown as large shrubs or small trees. The growth rate is about 15-20ft. Ivory Pillar™ Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata ssp. ‘Ivory Silk’ was selected in 1973 by Sheridan Nursery in Ontario, Canada. Japanese Lilac Trees make fantastic specimen plants for a patio, courtyard or high-profile area. Japanese tree lilac was introduced into cultivation in 1876. The common lilac is an old-fashioned, long-lived, and well-loved lilac best known for its fragrant flowers. It has a moderate growth rate, an upright growing habit, and a rounded shape. A low water tree once established. The old-fashioned lilac that likely grew in grandma's garden, however, tops the others in its rapid rate of expansion. long (15-30 cm), packed with fragrant, tiny creamy-white flowers adorn the tree.