Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac

Name: Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 14941
Price: 88.11 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.74 (50 reviews)

Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'

Creamy White Blooms up to 12 Inches Long Perfume Your Garden in Late Spring
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 20-25 ft Tall, 15-20 ft Wide
Showy White Blooms in Early Summer
Top Pick for Hedge or Street Tree

$88¹¹

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In Stock

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Plant Size

#3 Container | 4-5 ft Single Stem

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Fragrant, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen
Hardiness Zone	3a to 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	20-25 ft
Width	15-20 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	White
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Lilac
Botanical Name	Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'
Species	reticulata
Cultivar	Ivory Silk
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac: Fragrant Summer Blooms

Not Grandma's Lilac! The Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk') is a jaw-dropping twist on the classic Tree Lilac. This fragrant flowering tree bursts into enormous, foot-long panicles of creamy white blooms in late spring to early summer, just when your traditional Lilacs are winding down.

Sweetly scented and long-lasting, these blossoms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and admiring looks from every passerby! Not the same as Lilac bushes, this deciduous ornamental matures into a graceful small tree cloaked in lush dark green foliage.

Once flowering concludes, it shifts to show off smooth reddish-brown bark and cooling shade. Its upright oval shape makes a refreshing, structured presence through all four seasons, even bare-limbed in winter when that bark catches the light.

Tree Lilac Key Features

Gigantic, fragrant, foot-long, creamy white flowers in early summer
Fragrant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds
Reddish-brown bark adds winter interest
Cold-hardy down to -30°F and extremely low-maintenance
Upright oval form with deep green summer foliage
Great choice for northern landscapes and small spaces

Landscaping Uses

This low-maintenance treasure is ideal for accenting lawns, streetsides, or screening out the neighbors. This small ornamental tree reaches about 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide with a lovely, rounded, upright canopy. It's ideal for tight spots and bold statements alike.

Use as a stunning lawn or front yard focal tree
Great foundation corner accent (plant 6-8 feet from foundation)
Plant in rows for a flowering privacy screen (space 12 feet apart)
Soften fence lines or screens with naturalistic staggered groupings
Hardy and tolerant enough to plant along sidewalks, roadside street trees or along driveways
Ideal specimen for small yards or urban gardens
Adds height and contrast to cottage gardens, perennial or mixed shrub borders

Care and Maintenance

A cold-hardy beauty built for northern climates, Ivory Silk is one of the toughest and most dependable Lilac trees available today. It thrives in USDA growing zones 3 through 7, handles urban pollution and road salt, and blooms later and more prolifically than most other Japanese Tree Lilacs. This deciduous flowering tree is tough-as-nails and perfect for gardeners who want beauty without babysitting. It’s one of the easiest Lilac trees to grow in cold climates.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall
Sun Needs: Full sun for strongest flowering
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil is essential; tolerates clay with added compost or mounded soil; pH adaptable
Moisture Needs: Water regularly during establishment; water deeply during extreme heat or bud formation
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch over the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the trunk; compost is beneficial
Fertilization Needs: Avoid high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers near roots; apply balanced fertilizer in spring if needed
Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed; prune after bloom if shaping is desired
Renewal Pruning: Not necessary for tree-form
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks For Success:

Cold-hardy to -30°F
Handles road salt, pollution, and compacted urban soils
Not bothered by soil pH
Pest and disease resistant

Fragrant, Fabulous, and Oh-So-Frosty-Hardy

The Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac is a perfect pick for northern gardeners craving the sweet perfume and bold display of Lilacs in tree form. With blooms that dwarf the shrub-form cousins, rugged adaptability, and four-season beauty, this tree is a showstopper. Buy now and Nature Hills will ship it at the perfect planting time for your growing zone!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac makes an excellent addition to any landscape alongside other flowering trees and drought tolerant options that thrive in zone 3 plants, trees & shrubs and zone 4 plants, trees & shrubs collections. For comprehensive care guidance, check out our article Learn How To Grow and Use Japanese Lilac Trees and explore Best Privacy Trees and Shrubs to Plant This Spring for companion planting ideas.

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best possible bloom show, give this tree at least six hours of direct, full sun every day. While it tolerates some partial shade, less sun will result in a significantly reduced number of flowers and a more open, less dense canopy, so prioritize the sunny location.
Soil: Aim for moist, yet very well-drained soil; these trees are adaptable but cannot handle constant standing water. If you have heavy clay, amend the planting hole liberally with aged compost to improve drainage, as soggy roots are the enemy. For sandy soil, the compost will help retain essential moisture and nutrients.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your newly planted lilac deeply and thoroughly once a week to encourage a strong, wide-spreading root system. Once established, the Ivory Silk is quite drought tolerant, meaning it can handle typical dry spells without issue. However, inconsistent watering during a prolonged summer drought will cause the tree stress, which may lead to smaller blooms and premature yellowing of leaves.

Pruning Tips

This type of lilac blooms on old wood, meaning its flower buds are set the summer before the bloom season. Therefore, any major shaping or corrective pruning should be done immediately after the flowers fade in early summer; this gives the tree ample time to produce new growth that will set buds for the following year. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain a strong structure and good air circulation, which prevents fungal issues.

Fertilizer Needs

The Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac is not a heavy feeder and often thrives without supplemental fertilizer in fertile garden soil. If you notice sluggish growth, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. A key piece of advice is to avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season (after July 1st), as this encourages a flush of soft, vulnerable new growth that will be easily damaged by an early autumn frost.

Other Lilac varieties

Common Purple Lilac
Syringa vulgaris

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Sale price $52²¹ Regular price $74⁵⁹
Miss Kim Lilac
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim'

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Pocahontas Lilac
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Pocahontas'

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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Impressed

Upon receiving the trees I was worried because in the extreme heat the leaves were somewhat dry. We got them in the ground right away and as of July 22,2026 we are seeing new growth. Excited to see them in spring

Shipping stress in extreme heat can be alarming, but Japanese tree lilacs are tough once their roots find good soil. Getting them in the ground quickly was exactly the right call, and new growth by late July is a solid sign they have settled in. Come spring, that first flush of creamy white blooms is worth the wait. Thanks for the update, Vicki. The Nature Hills Team

Looks a little rough

Looks a little rough. Hoping it improves. Love these trees.

Hi Bridget,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. The majority of the foliage on your Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac tree does look green and lush.
As a gardening tip, make sure to prune your tree regularly to encourage healthy growth and beautiful blooms. Thank you for choosing our product and we hope you continue to love these trees.

Thank you - Nature Hills Customer Support

Nice

Nice tree

Hi Clark, Thank you so much for the glowing review, we appreciate it and you! We hope the Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac Tree brings an extra bit of beauty to your landscape; great choice! Thanks again - Nature Hills Customer Service

Beautiful tree!

Beautiful tree! It came with the dirt still moist. I was surprised at how beautiful and full the foliage was. We got them planted right away and they are so pretty. They were also reasonably priced.

Hi Kerry, Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad to hear that you are enjoying your Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac. Our team takes great care in ensuring that our trees arrive in the best condition possible. Thank you for sharing some photos of how it arrived, it's so pretty! Enjoy! - Nature Hills Customer Support

Shipped quickly and well packaged

Shipped quickly and well packaged. Tree was in good condition and banded to a bamboo stake. Just planted and hoping the root structure gets established. Would purchase again from this company.

Ivory Silk is a tough, adaptable tree, and giving it that bamboo stake support right from the start is a great move while the roots settle in. Once established, it pays you back with those big fragrant bloom clusters every summer. Thanks for the kind words, David, and good luck with the planting. The Nature Hills Team

It has been Planted for 2 weeks & still thriving so far

It has been Planted for 2 weeks & still thriving so far.

It still looks like it did when it arrived

It still looks like it did when it arrived. Looks fine. Just waiting for new life. I think it's only been a couple weeks.

A couple of weeks in, patience is exactly the right move with a newly planted tree lilac. They often put energy into root establishment first before you see much happening above ground, so that steady, unchanged look is actually a good sign. Give it a bit more time and some consistent moisture. Please keep in mind that this time of the year many plants are winding down for fall and getting ready for the dormant season ahead as well. Reach out to our team if you have any questions or concerns! -The Nature Hills team

Tree is pretty much dead already.

It's looking

It's looking ok

Ivory Silk lilac can take a season to really settle in after transplanting, so looking ok at this stage is actually a reasonable place to be. Keep it well watered through any heat or dry spells and it should put on more confident growth as the roots establish. Thanks for the update, Dee.

Trees were very dry upon arrival I think they

Trees were very dry upon arrival I think they sat in ware houses all weekend leaf’s were being eaten by something a lot of dead ones after some work on them they seem to be doing better size of trees were really nice they were packed good

Packaged very

Packaged very nice

Glad the tree arrived well protected, Randy. We put real effort into packaging to make sure plants make the journey in good shape. We hope your Ivory Silk Lilac settles in and rewards you with those fragrant creamy blooms for years to come. Thanks for the feedback.

Better than expected!

Arrived very healthy, good size, and unpacking was easy with the expandable box.

Healthy on arrival and easy to unpack. that is exactly how it should go. The Ivory Silk is a tough, adaptable tree, and giving it a good deep watering every week or so through its first season will help it settle in fast. Thanks for sharing your experience, LJ.

arrived very quickly and in excellent shape with hardly any stress showing

arrived very quickly and in excellent shape with hardly any stress at all showing on the lovely number of new leaves already. am very glad I invested in a pot version. I didn't plant immediately but kept it in a sheltered position through this sudden very late frost we had and it came through with flying colours.

Holding it in a sheltered spot through a late frost was exactly the right call, and it sounds like the tree handled the wait without missing a beat. Ivory Silk is a tough one once it gets going, and starting with a container gives you that flexibility to time planting just right. Thanks for sharing how it arrived and settled in, Elizabeth.

Great packaging

Great packaging , plant last week already growing new sprouts
.

New sprouts within the first week is a great sign that the tree Lilac settled in well and is ready to grow. The Ivory Silk is a rewarding tree once it gets going, and you have a lot of blooms to look forward to in the coming seasons. Thanks for sharing the update, Robert.

Strong

Tall, will make a strong tree . Came to me in beautiful condition. Look forward to it's beauty.

Hi Lonnie! Thank you for the 5-star review, we appreciate it & you! We are pleased to hear the Ivory Silk Japanes Lilac Tree arrived tall and strong - may it add extra beauty and joy to your landscape! Beautiful choice. Thank you - Nature Hills Customer Support

Love

I enjoyed this tree for about 2 years. It was growing nicely and finally mature enough to start budding and I was very excited. Then my Dad backed into it with his truck and it’s now lifeless. I will be replacing it soon, I did love it that much.

Dear Amy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your tree. We’re truly sorry to hear about the accident with your Dad’s truck and the loss of your beloved tree. It sounds like you had a wonderful journey watching it grow and thrive, and we completely understand how special it had become to you.

When you’re ready to find a replacement, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be more than happy to help you select another tree that will bring beauty and joy to your garden for years to come. Also, if you’d like any tips for speedy recovery and establishment, we can provide care guides and planting advice customized to your climate and space to give your new tree the best start.

Wishing you a happy replacement and many more growing seasons ahead!