Species

2 other cultivars

tree

Beijing Gold Lilac

Syringa pekinensis 'Zhang Zhiming'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa pekinensis, the Peking Lilac, is a small tree or large shrub known for its large, creamy-white flower panicles and attractive, exfoliating cinnamon-colored bark.

'Zhang Zhiming', sold as BEIJING GOLD, is distinguished by its primrose-yellow flowers, a rare color for the species, and its excellent vigor and urban tolerance.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides multi-season interest with fragrant spring flowers, handsome summer foliage, and striking exfoliating bark that is especially prominent in winter. Its small stature makes it an excellent choice for urban landscapes and smaller gardens.

Can be trained as a single-trunk tree for use near patios or as a street tree, or grown as a large multi-stemmed shrub for screening and border applications. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and a range of soil types.

The fragrant flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in late spring and early summer, a time when many other flowering trees have finished their display.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Northern China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the native soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A single spring application of a balanced fertilizer is sufficient.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Prune right after blooming finishes.
Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
Avoid excessive fertilization, especially with nitrogen.
Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
Never pile mulch against the trunk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Unique specimen treeFragrant accent for bordersHardy street or park tree

Companion Plants

Paeonia lactiflora Hemerocallis hybrids Nepeta faassenii Spiraea japonica Weigela florida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Beijing Gold Lilac questions

What zones can Beijing Gold Lilac grow in?

Beijing Gold Lilac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Beijing Gold Lilac deer resistant?

Yes — Beijing Gold Lilac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Beijing Gold Lilac bloom?

Beijing Gold Lilac typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Beijing Gold Lilac need full sun?

Beijing Gold Lilac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Beijing Gold Lilac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Beijing Gold Lilac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.