Species

2 other cultivars

tree

Chinese Tree Lilac

Syringa pekinensis 'Great Wall'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa pekinensis, the Chinese Tree Lilac, is a small, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub valued for its large, creamy-white, fragrant flower panicles that bloom in early summer, later than common lilacs. It also features handsome, exfoliating, cherry-like bark.

'Great Wall' is a selection noted for its uniform, upright-oval habit, making it an excellent choice for a street tree or small specimen. It has attractive, glossy dark green foliage and produces a reliable and heavy bloom.

Uses & Benefits:

The 'Great Wall' Chinese Tree Lilac is a superb ornamental tree, offering large, fragrant flower clusters in early summer, extending the lilac season. Its most distinguished feature is the beautiful, exfoliating, coppery-brown bark that provides significant winter interest.

Its tolerance of urban conditions, drought, and alkaline soils makes it a tough and reliable choice for street plantings, parks, and residential lawns. The upright-oval form of 'Great Wall' is particularly well-suited for spaces requiring a neat, contained canopy.

The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, providing a valuable nectar source in early summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

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 with good air circulation.
Plant in average, well-drained soil; it tolerates alkaline conditions.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and full sun exposure; tree lilacs will not tolerate wet feet and will flower poorly in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish.
Prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or soggy soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.
Don't prune in late fall or winter.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hardy small specimen tree for lawnsDurable street tree for urban settingsLate-blooming accent in shrub borders

Companion Plants

Hemerocallis (Daylily)Paeonia (Peony)Nepeta (Catmint)Geranium 'Rozanne'Weigela florida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chinese Tree Lilac questions

What zones can Chinese Tree Lilac grow in?

Chinese 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 Chinese Tree Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does Chinese Tree Lilac bloom?

Chinese 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 Chinese Tree Lilac need full sun?

Chinese Tree Lilac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Chinese Tree Lilac drought tolerant?

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