Japanese Lilac

Creamy Summer Blooms
Elegant Small Tree
Attractive Bark Interest

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#7 Container

$248.00

1 in stock

#15 Container

$311.00

18 in stock

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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Japanese Lilac

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Japanese Lilac

Japanese Lilac is a graceful deciduous small tree prized for creamy white early-summer flower clusters, attractive reddish-brown bark, and a rounded canopy. Its clean structure, seasonal fragrance, and refined look make it an excellent choice for lawns, patios, entry areas, and ornamental landscape focal points.

Why choose Japanese Lilac?

Choose Japanese Lilac for late lilac bloom, elegant tree form, and dependable landscape presence. Unlike many shrub lilacs that bloom in spring, this small tree typically flowers in early summer, bringing large creamy panicles when many other flowering trees are finished. Its upright structure, dark green foliage, and showy bark provide multi-season appeal. It is especially useful where a flowering accent tree, patio shade tree, or formal lawn specimen is desired.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Syringa reticulata
Common Name: Japanese Lilac, Japanese Tree Lilac
Plant Type: Deciduous flowering tree
Growth Habit: Upright, oval to rounded small tree or large shrub

Japanese Lilac Additional Information

Japanese Lilac produces broad clusters of creamy white flowers in late spring to early summer, often around June in cold-winter climates. The blooms have a lighter, more privet-like fragrance than common lilac, but they create a bold and elegant floral display. Dark green leaves give the tree a full, polished appearance through summer, while the smooth reddish-brown young bark with horizontal markings adds interest as the plant matures.

This plant is commonly grown as a single-trunk ornamental tree but may also be maintained as a multi-stemmed large shrub. It works well near patios, along driveways, in open lawns, and as a specimen in mixed borders. Japanese Lilac is deciduous, so it drops its leaves in fall, leaving its branching structure and bark visible in winter. Prune after flowering or during dormancy to shape the canopy, remove crossing branches, and maintain a strong framework.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Japanese Lilac in full sun to partial shade, choosing an open site with good air circulation and room for its mature canopy. Set the root ball level with the surrounding soil and water thoroughly after planting.

2. Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first growing seasons to help roots establish. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry spells, especially in hot weather or exposed planting sites.

3. Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to help conserve soil moisture and reduce competition from grass. Keep mulch pulled back slightly from the trunk.

4. Pruning: Prune to develop a strong central leader and well-spaced branches when young. Remove damaged, crossing, or low limbs as needed, and shape lightly after flowering if preserving bloom display is important.

Related Resources

FAQs

How big does Japanese Lilac get?
Japanese Lilac commonly grows as a small ornamental tree, often reaching about 20–30 feet tall with an oval to rounded canopy depending on site conditions and pruning.
When does Japanese Lilac bloom?
Japanese Lilac typically blooms in late spring to early summer, often around June. Its creamy white flower clusters appear later than many traditional lilac shrubs.
Is Japanese Lilac a tree or a shrub?
Japanese Lilac can grow as either a small tree or a large shrub, but it is often trained and sold as a tree form for patios, lawns, and focal-point plantings.
Where should I plant Japanese Lilac?
Plant it in a sunny, open location with well-drained soil and enough space for the canopy to mature. It works well as a specimen tree, patio accent, or lawn planting.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Tall Growth
Full Sun
Flowering

Mature Height	Large: Up to 30 ft or more
Mature Spread	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Botanical Name	Syringa reticulata
Bloom Time	Late Spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Oleaceae
Flower Color	White
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#15 Container, #7 Container

Map of the United States with all 50 states shaded green to show full coverage.

Growing Zones 3-7 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -40)

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Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Large: Up to 30 ft or more	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Small: Up to 15 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	20+ ft	20+ ft	20+ ft	10-20 ft	20+ ft	10-20 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate, Slow	Moderate, Slow	Fast, Moderate	Moderate, Slow	Moderate	Moderate
Bloom Time	Mid spring, Early Spring	Mid spring, Early Spring	Mid spring	Late Spring, Mid spring	Late Spring, Mid spring	Mid spring
Deer Resistant	Usually	Usually	Usually	No	No	Usually
Flower Color	Non Flowering	Non Flowering	White	White	White	White
Family	Sapindaceae	Aceraceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low	Medium	Low	Low	Low	Low