This cultivar has creamy-yellow flowers; attractive, cinnamon-colored bark; and unique yellow-gold fall color. The Peking lilac is a dependable urban tree and a great choice even for parking lot, boulevard, and parkway plantings. Native to Asia, it is both hardy and beautiful, with attractive, amber-colored, peeling bark.
Botanical name:
All common names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks,
- City parkway,
- Wide median,
- Under utility lines
Tree or Plant Type:
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Parkway/street,
- Specimen,
- Utility
Size Range:
- Small tree (15-25 feet)
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7
Soil Preference:
- Acid soil,
- Alkaline soil,
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Dry sites,
- Alkaline soil,
- Road salt
Acid Soils:
- Tolerant
Alkaline Soils:
- Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Tolerant
Soil Salt:
- Tolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Moderately Tolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Intolerant
Ornamental Interest:
- Summer blossoms,
- Fall color,
- Fragrant flowers,
- Showy fruit,
- Showy flowers,
- Attractive bark
Seasons of Interest:
- early summer,
- early fall,
- mid fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Fragrant,
- Yellow
Shape or Form:
- Round
Growth Rate:
- Moderate
Transplants Well:
- Yes
Wildlife:
- Butterflies,
- Hummingbirds,
- Insect pollinators
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
Tolerant of both acid and alkaline soil. Avoid wet sites.
Fairly drought tolerant once it is established.
Prune after flowering.
Disease, pests, and problems
No serious problems.
Disease, pest, and problem resistance
This tree shows resistance to bacterial blight, powdery mildew, scale insects and lilac borers.
Native geographic location and habitat
This is a cultivated variety of species that is native to China.
Bark color and texture
Bark is cherry-like in appearance. Bark is shiny and cinnamon-colored.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Heart-shaped leaves are in pairs (opposite); 2 to 4 inches long with an entire margin.
Leaves are green in summer, turning yellow in fall.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Large clusters of fragrant, creamy yellow flowers in early summer.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Fruit are small dry capsules held in large clusters.