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A yellow tree lilac!

Syringa pekinensis Beijing Gold®

Attractive, primrose yellow flowers and exfoliating bark.

Beijing Gold exhibits multiple seasons of interest, from its panicles of fragrant, primrose-yellow flowers in early summer to its dark green foliage that can turn an eye-catching yellow in autumn. The ornamental, cherry-like cinnamon-colored bark is attractive year-round. An upright habit and finer branches than most tree lilacs completes the package. Best grown in full sun on a well-drained, reasonably moist soil, which can be acidic to alkaline. Drought-tolerant once established. Prune if necessary immediately after blooming. Since it has a better branching habit than most tree lilacs, there is less of a need for corrective shape pruning. Excellent as a specimen plant or in groups in the lawn or along drives and parkways, in the mixed woody plant border, as a foundation shrub, or in any other suitable habitat where its excellent ornamental attributes can be appreciated year-round. It can be grown either single-stemmed or multistemmed, depending on your space and preferred habit. More upright and finer-branched than most tree lilacs.

Please note: We don't sell plants. Asking your local retailer or googling the plant name is the easiest way to find someone selling our plants.

Please note: Download hi-res photos from the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.


Who Am I?

  • Common Name

    Beijng Gold Chinese tree lilac
  • Botanical Name

    Syringa pekinensis 'Zhang Zhiming'
  • Type

    Tree
  • Origin

    A selection made by Zhang Zhiming of the Beijing Botanic Garden, People’s Republic of China. This selection was introduced into the United States through the North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium (NACPEC). The species is native to northern China.

  • Bloom Time

    Summer
  • Bloom Color

    Creamy yellow

Cultural Details

  • Bloom Time

    Summer
  • Size

    20' tall by 15' wide
  • Hardiness Zone

    4-7
  • Light

    Full sun
  • Soil

    Tolerant of poorly drained soils
  • Moisture

    Drought tolerant, but adaptable
  • Disease & Pests

    None known
  • Landscape Use

    Specimen, street tree, urban gardens
  • Propagation

    Grafting, Tissue Culture
  • Pruning

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

Available Photos

Hover over images to download hi-res files.