Japanese Tree Lilac

Heat Tolerance: Doesn't like warm climates

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Northern Japan

Growth Habits: Deciduous large shrub or small tree, 20 to 30 feet tall (6-9 m); cherry-like bark; simple, dark green, opposite, entire leaves 2 to 5 inches long (5-12 cm)

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Cuttings, seeds

Propagation: Seed or occasionally cutting, layering, grafting/budding,

• by softwood, semi-hardwood stem tip cuttings, in spring. Apply IBA TALC 8000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Root in 4-6 weeks. Best time to take lilac cuttings is when the terminal bud in unfoldingand the joint with the main stem is somewhat sticky..
• by trench layers, in late autumn.
• by whip, 'T', side graft grafts, in late summer. Use a S. vulgaris or ligustrum ovalfolium as graftstock. S. vulgaris rootstock is more compatible but it has more suckers, on the other hand budding on privet should be done below the normal soil level to allow the lilac to establish its own roots.
• by seeds, in spring. The seeds can be harvested in autumn. The seeds need stratify 40F 2-3mo..

Syringa reticulata, Herman, D.E. et al. 1996.

Blooming Habits:
Showy, fragrant (found unpleasant by many), off-white flowers, in early summer, in large terminal panicles, up to 12 inches long (30 cm), 10 inches wide (25 cm)

Culture:
The tree lilacs bloom on the previous year wood. Pruning should be done after the blooming is finished. They transplant easily.