Syringa × chinensis
Chinese Lilac

Family:

Oleaceae (Olive Family) 45

Genus:

Syringa (Lilac Tree Lilac) 14

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Arching 25

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 3 230

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 836

Flower Notes:

Purple (4-6" purple-lilac fragrant panicles borne in mid-May)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Green summer foliage with poor fall color)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

8-15 feet

Ultimate Spread:

8-15 feet

Fruiting Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers slightly acidic soils, but can toplerate a range of pHs

Range:

Hybrid origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves (1.5-3") are opposite, simple, ovate to lanceolate with an acuminate apex. The tan, 4-sided buds have loose imbricate scales, and are smaller than those of Syringa vulgaris. The greenish-yellow-brown stems become gray with age and develop decurrent lines, with the younger stems exhibiting a slight onion-skin effect.

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 355

Fragrant Flowers 188

Additional Information

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.