Japanese Lilac Tree

Japanese Lilac Tree is prized for its extroardinary summer blooms, erupting in June and July with massive, foot-long panicles of creamy-white flowers that fill the air with a delicate, honey-sweet fragrance, unlike common shrubs which fade by May. Reaching a manageable 20 to 30 feet, it is the ultimate "problem-solver" tree because its compact, non-invasive root system makes it safe for planting near sidewalks and foundations; it possesses superior resistance to powdery mildew and scale, ensuring the foliage stays a clean, dark green all season. In addition to this ornamental's traditional lilac blooms, its glossy, reddish-brown bark provides stunning cherry hues interest during the winter months. Japanese Lilac Tree's vital late-season nectar is a source for butterflies and hummingbirds and its upright, rounded canopy delivers high-end curb appeal to even the smallest urban landscapes.

Also Known As: Syringa reticulata, Japanese Tree Lilac, Ivory Silk Lilac, Japanese Tree-Lilac, Summer Lilac Tree, Giant Lilac, Lilo du Japon, Japanischer Flieder, Syringa amurensis, Flowering Tree Lilac, White Summer Lilac, Asian Tree Lilac, Tree Lilac Shrub, Hardy Japanese Lilac, Ornamental Lilac Tree.

Plant Name:	Tree, Japanese Lilac
Latin Name:	Syringa reticulata, Syringa amurensis var japonica, Ligustrina japonica
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	5 - 7 Years
Plant Height:	20 - 30 Feet
Spread:	15 - 25 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	6 - 12 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-7
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 25 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 30-90 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month after the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 15-20 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. For hedges or screens, plant 10-12 feet apart. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	15-20 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	25 feet

Care During the Season:

Japanese Lilac Trees are resilient and flourish well with simple interventions. In Spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer before new growth begins and monitor for any crossing branches to maintain its refined, tree-like structure. As Summer arrives, the tree enters its spectacular blooming phase; ensure it receives consistent moisture during this time to support the massive flower panicles, and once the blooms fade, you can deadhead the spent clusters to keep the tree looking tidy. During the Fall, the tree requires very little maintenance as its leaves drop, but maintaining a layer of mulch around the base will help insulate the roots for the coming cold. In Winter, the Japanese Lilac's "cherry-like" bark becomes a focal point, and this is the safest time to perform any structural pruning while the tree is dormant to minimize stress and prevent the spread of disease.