Species

2 other cultivars

tree

China Snow Pekin Lilac

Syringa pekinensis 'Morton'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pekin Lilac is a small, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub from northern China, valued for its large panicles of creamy-white flowers that bloom later than common lilacs, and its attractive, cherry-like bark.

China Snow ('Morton') is a cultivar selected by the Morton Arboretum for its vigorous growth, attractive vase shape, and particularly beautiful, exfoliating bark that is a rich cinnamon-brown to amber color.

Uses & Benefits:

China Snow is a superb four-season tree. In early summer, it's covered in large, fragrant, creamy-white flower panicles. In fall, the leaves turn a pleasant yellow. Its greatest asset is the stunning, exfoliating, cinnamon-colored bark that provides exceptional winter interest, rivaling that of many birches or paperbark maples.

This is a tough, adaptable small tree suitable for urban environments, as it tolerates a range of soils and drought once established. It is highly resistant to powdery mildew, which plagues common lilacs. Its size is perfect for smaller residential landscapes or for planting under utility lines.

The fragrant flowers are a valuable nectar source for a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, blooming in early summer after many spring flowers have faded. The dense branching provides cover and potential nesting sites for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

40-50 years

Native To

Northern China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun for best flowering and form.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; it tolerates various soil types.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Place the tree in the hole, making sure the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Mulch around the base, but keep mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Train it as a multi-stemmed tree to best showcase the beautiful, exfoliating bark on the main trunks.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun.
Prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
Water regularly during the first year of establishment.
Appreciate its high resistance to powdery mildew, a common lilac issue.
Allow it to develop a natural, multi-stemmed form.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy shade, which reduces flowering.
Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can inhibit blooms.
Don't bury the root flare with soil or mulch.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen tree for small yardsMulti-season interest for parks and campusesDurable and attractive street tree

Companion Plants

Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'Geranium 'Rozanne'Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

China Snow Pekin Lilac questions

What zones can China Snow Pekin Lilac grow in?

China Snow Pekin 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 China Snow Pekin Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does China Snow Pekin Lilac bloom?

China Snow Pekin 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 China Snow Pekin Lilac need full sun?

China Snow Pekin Lilac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is China Snow Pekin Lilac drought tolerant?

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