Japanese Lilac Tree
Best ornamental choice for gardeners seeking fragrant, pollinator-friendly landscape structure.
The Japanese Lilac Tree (_Syringa reticulata_) is an elegant ornamental tree celebrated for its fragrant, creamy-white flower clusters that bloom in late spring to early summer. Its lush green foliage creates a beautiful contrast to the showy blossoms, which attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. With an upright, rounded form, this tree adds structure and elegance to any garden, landscape, or streetscape, making it a distinguished specimen tree. It is typically offered in a 10-gallon container size.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+355%
Above average
Size Available
10
/ gallon
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking late-season floral color
- City dwellers managing harsh, polluted environments
- Landscapers prioritizing winter visual texture
Who should skip it
- Gardeners sensitive to musky or unpleasant scents
- Homeowners wanting low-maintenance patio areas
- Impatient gardeners desiring rapid vertical growth
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
Fragrant blooms act as a magnet for local bees and butterflies.
Visual Impact
Creamy-white clusters provide a sophisticated focal point for any landscape.
Structural Form
Upright, rounded crown offers excellent architectural shape for streetscapes.
Bloom Longevity
Extended flowering period provides three weeks of consistent seasonal color.
Establishment Potential
Ten-gallon container size ensures a healthy, well-developed root system.
Sunlight Versatility
Requires full sun exposure to maintain optimal growth and flowering density.
Key Specs
Size Available
10 gallon
Mature Height
25 to 30 feet
Mature Spread
15 to 20 feet
Bloom Time
Summer
Length of Bloom
3 weeks or more
Flower Color
Creamy-white
Foliage Color
Lush green
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Features
- Fragrant creamy-white summer blooms
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Upright, rounded crown shape
- Lush green foliage
- Blooms later than common lilacs
- Ideal specimen tree
What customers say
Customers are overwhelmingly pleased with the quality and reliability of the Japanese Lilac Tree. Reviewers frequently mention the excellent health of the plant upon delivery, noting careful packaging that ensures safe arrival. The tree establishes quickly and shows vigorous growth, confirming its robust nature. This consistent performance makes it a highly reliable choice for landscaping projects, offering great value for a healthy specimen that is ready to thrive.
Know before you buy
The Japanese Lilac is a true tree rather than a shrub, reaching heights of up to 30 feet. It also blooms later in the season than common lilacs, typically producing its creamy-white flowers in early summer.
This tree thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting it in a sunny spot is essential for achieving the best flower production.
At maturity, the Japanese Lilac Tree reaches a spread of 15 to 20 feet. You should plant it at least 10 to 15 feet away from structures or other large trees to ensure it has enough room to develop its rounded crown.
While it is generally low-maintenance, the tree is highly attractive to beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is not typically known for attracting nuisance wildlife.
The 10-gallon container size provides a well-established root system, allowing the tree to settle into your landscape more quickly than a smaller sapling. It will arrive ready for transplanting into your garden or a larger permanent location.
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$199