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Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac

Name: Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac
Brand: Syringa
Availability: InStock

Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'

$88.11

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Japan, Northern China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Japanese Tree Lilac is a small, deciduous tree or large shrub valued for its large, fragrant panicles of creamy white flowers that bloom in early summer, later than most other lilacs. It has attractive, cherry-like, reddish-brown bark. 'Ivory Silk' is a popular cultivar that is more compact, has a stronger oval to rounded form, and flowers more profusely at a younger age than the species. Its flower panicles are exceptionally large and showy.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular show of large, fragrant, creamy-white flower panicles in early summer when few other trees are blooming. The handsome, cherry-like bark adds winter interest.

Its small, manageable size makes it an ideal tree for smaller landscapes, patios, or planting under utility lines. It is also quite tolerant of urban pollution and road salt.

The flowers are a magnet for a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a valuable nectar source in early summer.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$88.11

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$207.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with good air circulation
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend if necessary
Dig a hole twice the width of the container
Plant at the same depth as it was growing in the pot
Water well after planting to settle the soil
Mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering is finished, as it sets flower buds for the next year during the summer.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly until established, and during dry spells.
Remove spent flower heads to keep the plant looking tidy.
Prune to shape and remove any suckers right after blooming.

Don't

Do not plant in wet, poorly drained soil.
Do not prune in late summer, fall, or winter, or you will remove next year's flowers.
Do not over-fertilize, which can reduce flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent small specimen tree for lawnsPerfect street tree for under power linesShowy accent in a mixed border

Companion Plants

Paeonia Hemerocallis Iris sibirica Nepeta Geranium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac questions

What zones can Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac grow in?

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree 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 Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac bloom?

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac need full sun?

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac drought tolerant?

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