Skip to main content
A tree lilac with lovely bark.

Syringa pekinensis China Snow®

Strikingly ornamental, amber-colored exfoliating bark.

China Snow® was selected for its amber-colored exfoliating bark, fragrant late spring blooms and graceful rounded habit. The parent tree measures 45' tall with a 40' spread after 7 5 years of growth. This medium-sized flowering tree has multiple seasons of interest because of its highly ornamental, amber-colored exfoliating bark. Deep green, semi-glossy foliage is followed by large, creamy-white fragrant blooms in mid-June. The blooms mature to grass green fruits that turn a nice tan color and persist well into the winter months. China Snow exhibits a display of exfoliating bark comparable to Acer griseum. China Snow can be used successfully in urban street plantings, especially on parkways where the crown can spread. Use this plant in urban, residential and commer

Please note: We don't sell plants. Asking your local retailer or googling the plant name is the easiest way to find someone selling our plants.

Please note: Download hi-res photos from the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.

Who Am I?

  • Common Name

    China Snow Chinese tree lilac

  • Botanical Name

    Syringa pekinensis 'Morton'

  • Type

    Tree

  • Origin

    This plant, selected from the collections of The Morton Arboretum, was grown from seed collected for The Arnold Arboretum by Joseph Rock in 1926 in Gansu province, China. The seed was shared with The Morton Arboretum that same year.

  • Bloom Time

    Summer

  • Bloom Color

    Creamy white

Cultural Details

  • Bloom Time

    Summer

  • Size

    12' tall by 8' wide in 5 years 25' tall by 20' wide in 20 years 45' tall by 40' wide at maturity

  • Hardiness Zone

    5-7

  • Light

    Full sun

  • Soil

    Tolerant of poorly drained soils

  • Moisture

    Drought tolerant, but adaptable

  • Disease & Pests

    None known

  • Landscape Use

    Specimen, street tree, urban gardens

  • Propagation

    Grafting, Tissue Culture

  • Pruning

    Lilacs should only be pruned to shape and no later than July. If you prune later, you may sacrifice flowers.

Available Photos

Hover over images to download hi-res files.