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Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'

Common Name(s):

Japanese tree lilac

Giant tree lilac

Synonym:

Syringa pekinensis

Beijing lilac

Flower:

White

Blooms :

May

to:

Jun

Showy 4 petaled flower in panicles

Botanical Description

Fragrant?

YES

Family:

Oleaceae

Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')

Foliage:

Green

Leaves opposite, lanceolate to ovate 6" long

Fall Color?

NO

​

Deciduous

Photo by: 

Heading 6

​

Oregon Native?

NO

West State Native?

NO

Origins:

Northern China

Site Selection

Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:

3

Water Needs:

M

Sun Needs:

Full Sun

Deer Resistant?

YES

Firewise?

YES

Height:

20-30'

Spread:

15-20'

Growth Rate:

Medium

Native Habitat:

Wooded areas on slopes, valleys, grasslands

Soil:

Rich, moderately acidic

Care Recommendations

Maintenance Level:

Low

Fertilizer:

Use a balanced granular fertilizer, spread around root zone 12-15" away from trunk, use only in spring

Mulch:

Use organic mulches like ground hardwoods in a 2-3" layerr 1-4" from trunk, avoid fresh mulches, refresh every spring

Plant in full sun, water as neccassary to prevent stress, give light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, keep pruning minimal, monitor for pests and diseases and act accordingly if found

Long Term:

Winter:

If there is no precipitation, can water on warmer days, apply mulch if not done in fall, wrap young trees

Spring:

Perform only light corrective pruning, maintain 2-3" layer of organic mulch, ensure adequate moisture, inspect for signs of pests or disease

Summer:

Aim for 1" of water/week, prune immediately after flowering, monitor for pests and disease, apply mulch if not done earlier

Fall:

Plant must enter winter fully hydrated, mulch with a 3-4" layer of wood chips or bark, keep area clear of fallen leaves

General Care Comments:

Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, keep pruning minimal, fertilize in early spring, mulch to retain moisture

Common Problems

May escape and displace native plants

Diseases:

Bacterial blight, leaf spots, wilt, ring spot virus

Insects:

Lilac borer, leafminers, scale, aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers

Environmental Problems:

Excessive moisture leads to fungal diseases, early spring frost, invasiveness

Pests:

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