Peking Lilac
Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis
Peking Lilac (Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Attractive copper-colored peeling bark.
Photos
- Photo 1: "Syringa pekinensis at Coker Arboretum 01" by Hameltion is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 2: "Syringa pekinensis at Coker Arboretum 02" by Hameltion is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 3: (c) Jeff D Hansen, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: (c) Loïc Mathieu, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: (c) Loïc Mathieu, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- purple
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Common problems on the Front Range
- Lilac/ash borer
- Powdery mildew (cosmetic, late season)
- Oystershell scale
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Peking Lilac good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Peking Lilac is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Peking Lilac get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Peking Lilac need?
- Give Peking Lilac about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Peking Lilac grow into?
- Peking Lilac typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Peking Lilac hardy on the Front Range?
- Peking Lilac is hardy in USDA 3–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Peking Lilac need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Peking Lilac grow?
- Peking Lilac is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Peking Lilac live?
- Peking Lilac has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Peking Lilac native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Peking Lilac deer-resistant?
- Peking Lilac is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Peking Lilac prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Peking Lilac can be affected by lilac/ash borer and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
