Melia azedarach

RHS Plant Profile
Persian lilac

Other common names

African lilac, bakain, bead tree, Cape lilac, Ceylon cedar, Ceylon mahogany, chinaberry, false sycamore, hill margosa, holy tree, Indian lilac, lunumidella, margosa tree, pride of China, Syrian bead tree, pride of India, syringa, white cedar

Synonyms

Melia azedarach var. japonica

Trees

A fast-growing, many-branched deciduous tree, up to 15m tall in its native warm temperate India and China, but much shorter in height in the UK where it will be generally pot-grown. The pinnate leaves are composed of numerous glossy, ovate leaflets. In spring and early summer it produces a profusion of fragrant, pale lilac, star-shaped flowers in loose, arching clusters; these are followed by ovoid, yellow fruit to 1cm long. It is, however, unlikey to flower or fruit when grown as a conservatory specimen

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Meliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
N. India, China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in spring, or root softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

See pruning group 1; plants under glass may require restrictive pruning

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free