Syringa reticulata 'IVORY SILK' Japanese tree lilac

Ivory Silk is a profusely blooming variety of Japanese lilac, which, due to the shape of its inflorescence, can at first glance resemble crape myrtle – Lagerstroemia. The flowers are ivory cream to slightly yellowish at full maturity, strongly and sweetly fragrant, and arranged in slightly inclined to horizontal panicles 20-25 cm long, with only their very tips being upright. They bloom from late May or early June for about 3 weeks. Flowers are followed by interesting, light green seed pods, which you can either leave for decoration or trim after flowering to keep the tree clean. The deciduous leaves are ovate, quite large: 10-15 cm long, dark green, and slightly glossy.

The Japanese lilac is a tall shrub or small tree with a compact, narrowly oval crown. This variety was selected by Leonard Slater from the Sheridan Nurseries in Georgetown, Ontario, Canada, as a slimmer version of the botanical species with an even more compact crown, which opens into a slightly pyramidal shape only in maturity. The bark of young trees and shrubs is brown and smooth to glossy. It grows relatively fast (30-40 cm per year) and can be shaped carefully after flowering – it blooms on previous year's wood. It does not tolerate deep rejuvenation pruning into old wood. It serves as a small to mid-sized specimen tree for front yards and narrow alleys, or as a large shrub for informal hedges and thickets, in combination with plants with differently coloured or shaped leaves.

Lilacs can be grown in many soil types including clay. For best result use reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It is tolerant of urban pollution, road salt, and is pest and disease free. Full sun is crucial for profuse flowering. It is very hardy to about -40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 25-02-2025