Woody > Syringa > Syringa reticulata > Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis 'Morton'
Syringa reticulata
ssp. pekinensis 'Morton'
Origin: The China Snow® Pekin Lilac comes from horticultural origin, being a Chicagoland Grows® selection. A product of the partnership between the Chicago Botanical Garden, the Morton Arboretum and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois, China Snow® was developed from seed collected by Joseph Rock in China during the 1920s. The seeds were originally collected for the Arnold Arboretum, but later grown and selected at the Morton Arboretum.
Mike's
Opinion
"
The China Snow® Pekin Lilac is a worthy addition to the landscape. Able to shine in the early summer with incredible snowlike blooms, this tree has year long value through its incredible exfoliating bark. This tree is also drought resistant, and relatively pest and disease free, with many unblemished leaves into the early autumn. The many heart shaped leaves turn yellow in autumn before giving way to reveal masses of amber coloured branches. It should be noted that blooms give off a musk like scent not dissimilar to that of privet, which not everyone will enjoy. Few plants can provide such year long interest while also requiring such little in return – simply plant in full sun with well drained soils.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Oleaeceae |
| Genus |
| Syringa |
| Species |
| reticulata |
| Cultivar |
| 'Morton' |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| Subspecies |
| pekinensis |
| Registered Name |
| China Snow® |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 5 - 7 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 4 - 7a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H5 - H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-29) - (-12) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| (-20) - 10 |
| Height |
| 6 - 9 m |
| Spread |
| 4.5 - 7.5 m |
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| A deciduous, medium sized tree with incredible copper coloured bark which exfoliates as it matures. Produces clusters of creamy white flowers in early summer for added interest. Excellent specimen or street tree. Plant in areas with full sun and well drained soil. |
| Landscape |
| Requires areas of full sun and well drained soil, making it ideal for parks or as a specimen tree due to its eye-catching bark and blooms. While the straight species of this tree’s bark turns grey with age, China Snow® maintains and even improves on its exfoliating bark as it matures, making it ideal for planting in an area visible year round. Tolerant to acidic and alkaline soils, as well as road salt, China Snow® is well suited roadside plantings or an urban setting. |
| Cultivation |
| Similar to others of its genus, requires full sun and well drained soil to prosper. Able to tolerate partial shade, however this can disrupt form and quantity of blooms. Ideally, China Snow should receive good air circulation to help prevent diseases such as mildew from taking hold. This Cultivar displays resistance to diseases such as powdery mildew and bacterial blight, as well as lilac borers and scale insects. Fairly tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils, salt, and drought. As with most lilacs, should never be planted in a location with poor drainage or heavy shade. |
| Shape |
| Upright, broadly rounded shape with a tendency to grow an even rounder crown as the tree matures. If placed in an area of greater shade can tend to have a more spread out, looser form. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| Amber coloured exfoliating bark. Semi-glossy cordate green leaf in opposite arrangement. Yellow autumn colour. Creamy white coloured bloom. Green coloured fruit which turns a tan colour and persists into winter. |
| Pests |
| As with others of its genus, suffers from lilac borers, as well as powdery mildew, particularly when given poor air circulation. Also falls prey to bacterial blight. Proven to be resistant to pests and diseases listed above. Generally pest and disease free, or simply unsightly infection such as with mildew. |
| Habitat |
| Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Amber coloured bark which displays white lenticles and a smoother texture at a young age, and peels further as the stem matures. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Glabrous, semi globose buds, with flower buds turning from deep green to an orange/white colour. |
| Leaf Description |
| Semi-glossy, simple cordate leaves in opposite arrangement along the shoots, 5 - 10 cm in length. Green in the summer with a yellow autumn colour. |
| Flower Description |
| Flowers are creamy white in 15 - 25 cm clusters in late May through June. Florets single, 8 mm in diameter. Strong musky scent, not unlike that of privet. Attracts bees and butterflies. |
| Fruit Description |
| Glabrous, dehiscent, 2 cm long with a slightly rounded top. Begins green and turns tan as time passes. Can remain on the tree well into a mild winter. |
| Colour Description |
| Bark is an amber/copper colour with white lenticles. Leaves are green in the summer and turn yellow in the autumn. Blooms are a creamy white. Fruit begins green and turns a tan colour as it matures. |
| Texture Description |
| Medium. |
| Notable Specimens |
| A group of these trees can be found in Springbank Gardens located in London, Ontario. |
| Propagation |
| As this plant does not produce genetically viable seed, propagation must take place through grafting, tissue culture, or softwood cuttings. Propagation of lilacs through cuttings can prove difficult, in part due to their inherit weakness to mildew and bacterial infection. Additionally, they can prove hard to root. As such, sanitization is vital to success, as is always maintaining the ideal moisture level. Dipping the cutting in growth hormone is highly recommended. Select a younger branch from healthy stock in early spring for optimal chances of success. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Many plants of the genus Syringa have been used a source of creating ornaments and traditional medicines. Studies have shown a presence of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour properties within extracts of certain species. Syringa pekinensis has classically been used for ornaments in China and surrounding areas. Modern use of the plant shifts toward adding landscape value to properties. |
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