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Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis China Snow ('Morton')

Peking lilac [China Snow]

An upright, bushy deciduous shrub or small tree to 5m high, with peeling, coppery bark and ovate to heart-shaped green leaves. Produces abundant, large clusters of tiny, creamy white fragrant flowers in late spring and early summer

Synonyms
Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis 'Morton'
Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis 'China Snow'
see moreSyringa pekinensis China Snow
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Red Cream White Green
Summer Brown Red Cream White Green
Autumn Brown Red Green
Winter Brown Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Bushy
Genus

Syringa can be deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple, entire or rarely pinnate leaves and conical panicles of small, very fragrant, 4-lobed tubular flowers in late spring or early summer

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich alkaline to neutral soils. This cultivar has some tolerance to drought

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or layering in early summer, chip budding in summer or grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1, after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, thrips and willow scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus and bacterial canker

Get involved

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