Botanical profile
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'
Latin name
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'
Common name
Japanese Lilac 'Ivory Silk'
Type
Deciduous ornamental tree
Family
Oleaceae
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk', commonly known as 'Ivory Silk' Japanese Tree Lilac or Peking Tree Lilac, is a small ornamental deciduous tree renowned for its spectacular bloom of large creamy white panicles in early summer, often after common lilacs. Its upright habit, rounded at maturity, decorative bark, and dark green foliage make it an excellent choice for adding structure, light shade, and seasonal interest to the garden.
Highly valued in landscaping, this standard tree lilac or small tree is well-suited as a specimen plant, street tree, avenue tree, facade planting, or focal point in a shrub border. Its fragrant blossoms attract pollinators and bring a luminous presence to residential gardens, urban courtyards, and spaces where a reliable, hardy, and decorative tree is desired without complex maintenance.
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' prefers full sun, well-drained, ordinary to rich soil, and tolerates urban conditions well once established. It performs best with moderate moisture, good air circulation, and light fertilization in spring. Hardy and generally easy to grow, it primarily requires minimal pruning to remove dead wood, clear the trunk, and maintain a beautiful structure.
Highly valued in landscaping, this standard tree lilac or small tree is well-suited as a specimen plant, street tree, avenue tree, facade planting, or focal point in a shrub border. Its fragrant blossoms attract pollinators and bring a luminous presence to residential gardens, urban courtyards, and spaces where a reliable, hardy, and decorative tree is desired without complex maintenance.
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' prefers full sun, well-drained, ordinary to rich soil, and tolerates urban conditions well once established. It performs best with moderate moisture, good air circulation, and light fertilization in spring. Hardy and generally easy to grow, it primarily requires minimal pruning to remove dead wood, clear the trunk, and maintain a beautiful structure.
Care guide
Growing conditions
Light, soil, water and hardiness
Hardiness zone
Zone 3 (-40 to -34°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Fertilization
Soil type
Well drained, tolerates alkaline and clay soils
Minimum temperature
'-40°C
Plant appearance
Blooming, foliage and shape
Blooming period
June
Flower color
Creamy white
Fruiting
Foliage color
Foliage type
Shape
Garden structure
Size and growth
Height
6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet)
Width
4.5 to 6 meters (15 to 20 feet)
Growth rate
Moderate; about 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) per year
Safe for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
Flowers that attract hummingbirds
Hummingbirds
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer
Deer
The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.
