Syringa pekinensis China Snow®

A tree lilac with lovely bark.

China Snow® was selected for its amber-colored exfoliating bark, fragrant late spring blooms and graceful rounded habit. The parent tree measures 45' tall with a 40' spread after 7 5 years of growth. This medium-sized flowering tree has multiple seasons of interest because of its highly ornamental, amber-colored exfoliating bark. Deep green, semi-glossy foliage is followed by large, creamy-white fragrant blooms in mid-June. The blooms mature to grass green fruits that turn a nice tan color and persist well into the winter months. China Snow exhibits a display of exfoliating bark comparable to Acer griseum. China Snow can be used successfully in urban street plantings, especially on parkways where the crown can spread. Use this plant in urban, residential and commer

Who Am I?

Common Name:

China Snow Chinese tree lilac
Botanical Name:

Syringa pekinensis 'Morton'
Type:

Tree

Cultural Details

TYPE

Tree

Light:

Full sun
Soil:

Tolerant of poorly drained soils
Moisture:

Drought tolerant, but adaptable
Hardiness Zone

5-7
Bloom Time:

Summer
Bloom Color:

Creamy white
Size:

12' tall by 8' wide in 5 years 25' tall by 20' wide in 20 years 45' tall by 40' wide at maturity
Diseases & Pests:

None known

What Makes Me Special?

Strikingly ornamental, amber-colored exfoliating bark.

Landscape Use

Specimen, street tree, urban gardens

Origin

This plant, selected from the collections of The Morton Arboretum, was grown from seed collected for The Arnold Arboretum by Joseph Rock in 1926 in Gansu province, China. The seed was shared with The Morton Arboretum that same year.

Pruning

Lilacs should only be pruned to shape and no later than July. If you prune later, you may sacrifice flowers.

Propagation

Grafting

Tissue Culture

Who Am I?

Common Name:

China Snow Chinese tree lilac
Botanical Name:

Syringa pekinensis 'Morton'
Type:

Tree

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