Shrub Syringa × chinensis [Chinese Lilac] Can become ratty in appearance, and so should be pruned properly on 3 year cycle. Problems with aphids, powdery mildew, scales, and caterpillars, although powdery mildew is worst problem.
Shrub Syringa meyeri [Meyer Lilac] Flowers by the time it reaches one foot tall, very floriferous. Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Flowers can be damaged by a late spring freeze. Best to prune immediately after flowering to promote flower buds for the next year.
Shrub Syringa meyeri 'Palibin' [Dwarf Meyer Lilac] Flowers by the time it reaches one foot tall, very floriferous. Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Flowers can be damaged by a late spring freeze. Best to prune immediately after flowering to promote flower buds for the next year.
Shrub Syringa pekinensis 'Morton' [sold as Sold as China Snow™] [China Snow Lilac] Popular tree to be used on streets because it fits under utility lines, is tolerant to salt spray, and has no serious insect or disease problems. However, It does require proper drainage. It also has very attactive exfoliating bark with a amber tone.
Shrub Syringa pubescens ssp. patula [Manchurian Lilac] Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance.
Shrub Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim' [Miss Kim Manchurian Lilac] 'Miss Kim' is known for its prolific fragrant ice-blue flower panicles and more dense, compact habit. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Heat tolerant, so grows better in warmer climates than other lilacs. Also known as Syringa patula 'Miss Kim'.
Tree Syringa reticulata [Japanese Tree Lilac] A very hardy and showy tree. Attractive, cherry-like mahogany-colored bark, distinctly different from all other lilacs. Widely adapted to soils and environments. Cut to ground to rejuvenate completely. Mildew resistant. Subject to infestations of borers and scale insects, but these are not usually serious enough to discourage its use where some maintenance is available. Alternate year flowering on different parts of the tree can sometimes occur, a problem that can be assuaged by deadheading (use…
Tree Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' [Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac] The Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac is a very hardy and showy tree, great choice for a specimen tree. Attractive, cherry-like mahogany-colored bark, which is distinctly different from all other lilacs. Widely adapted to soils and environments, Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac can be a great choice for those difficult areas in the landscape. Cut to ground to rejuvenate completely. Some consider the beautiful creamy white flowers to be malodorous, like a privet.
Shrub/Tree Syringa sp. [Lilac] The Lilac genus, Syringa, is composed of over 20 species and numerous cultivars and variants of shrubs to small trees. The most well-known feature of lilacs is their showy, many times fragrant, flower panicles. Lilacs prefer cooler climates. Leggy plants can be rejuvenated by a hard pruning in the winter, with less intensive maintenance pruning after flowering. Can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, borers, and blight.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris [Common Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
