BEIJING GOLD® PEKING LILAC

Syringa pekinensis ‘Zhang Zhiming’

Originally selected at the Beijing Botanic Garden by the same individual whose cultivar name it bears, this new tree lilac variety sports primrose yellow bloom trusses and shiny cinnamon colored bark.   The blooms also have a wonderful fragrance, which is an added bonus.  Its range of adaptation will probably include USDA zones 4 to 7.

CHINA SNOW® PEKING LILAC

Syringa pekinensis ‘Morton’

This fine tree lilac has fragrant sprays of white flowers in June and a graceful upright-rounded habit.  The bark is a gorgeous dark-amber in color and also exfoliates.  This superior variety has a direct connection with the famed plant collector Joseph Rock who personally harvested the seed batch from which this tree was ultimately selected.  China Snow® has performed well in sites in northern Illinois.  The parent tree in the Morton Arboretum has attained a height of 35’ with a crown diameter of 30’.  Hardy to USDA zone 4.

IVORY SILK JAPANESE TREE LILAC

Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’

This selection has a rounded growth habit that is both compact and sturdy.  The small white flowers are borne in abundance in large trusses on branch ends.  These make a wonderful contrast and complement to the dense dark green foliage.  Bark on twigs and young branches also provides winter interest from its shiny reddish color interspersed with wide lenticels, looking a lot like the bark of a cherry.  Ivory Silk will ultimately reach 20’ to 25’ in height by about 15’ in width.  Selected in Ontario, Canada, it is adapted from USDA zones 3 to 7.

SUMMER CHARM® TREE LILAC

Syringa pekinensis ‘DTR 124’ PP8951 

This tree lilac has regular and abundant bloom trusses.  Trusses are full and fragrant, emerging white and maturing with a blush of extremely pale yellow.  The elliptical leaves are dark green and highly lustrous.  The bark is dark and shiny with abundant light-colored lenticels that add color and winter interest.  The ultimate height should be about 25’ with a crown diameter of 15’.  Hardiness to USDA zone 3.

SIGNATURE™ JAPANESE TREE LILAC

Syringa reticulata ‘Sigzam’

 Compared to the industry standard Ivory Silk, Signature™ has the following traits: Trusses are round (not conical) in outline and bloom one to two weeks later.  Although smaller, the trusses are borne in good number and are as interesting as they are ornamental.  The habit is oval, but is more compact than Ivory Silk or seedlings.  Adapted to USDA zones 3 to 8.

SNOW CAP™ JAPANESE TREE LILAC

Syringa reticulata ‘Elliott’

 This new form is more compact than the industry standard ‘Ivory Silk’, reaching 15 to 20’ high by only 10 to 20’ wide.  It features thick, dark green leaves and more plentiful white bloom spikes.  Snow Cap™ also has a good and uniform branching habit.  This should make a great small tree for urban settings.  Adapted to USDA zones 3 to 8.