Species

Syringa reticulataJapanese Tree Lilac

2 other cultivars

tree RHS Award

Bailnce Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac

Syringa reticulata 'Bailnce'

Same species

Species

Syringa reticulataJapanese Tree Lilac

2 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

270 inches

Width

210 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Japan, Northern China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Japanese tree lilac is a small tree or large shrub known for its large, fragrant flower panicles that bloom later than other lilacs. 'Ivory Silk' is a popular cultivar selected for its compact, oval form, reddish-brown bark, and abundant, creamy-white flowers that appear in early summer.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its large, fragrant, creamy-white flower panicles that create a spectacular display in early summer, long after other lilacs have faded. Its attractive, cherry-like reddish-brown bark provides winter interest.

Its compact size and upright, oval form make it an excellent street tree or specimen for smaller landscapes where a large shade tree would be overwhelming. It is also tolerant of urban pollution.

The fragrant flowers are a valuable nectar source for a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting local insect populations during the summer.

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Dig a hole two times wider than the root ball, but just as deep.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the original 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

Prune after flowering to shape and remove spent blooms; this avoids sacrificing the next season's flower buds.

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 promptly after the floral display finishes.
Ensure good air circulation to minimize powdery mildew risk.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaves over flowers.
Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
Never pile mulch directly against the trunk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen for small yardsFragrant street or park treeAnchor for a mixed border

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata Hemerocallis Spiraea japonica Nepeta Paeonia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bailnce Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac questions

What zones can Bailnce Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac grow in?

Bailnce 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 Bailnce Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac deer resistant?

Yes — Bailnce 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 Bailnce Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac bloom?

Bailnce 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 Bailnce Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac need full sun?

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

Is Bailnce Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bailnce 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.