It is a single-trunked small tree or large shrub with panicles of creamy white flowers with very little fragrance.
Ivory silk lilac grows best in cooler climates and requires full sun and well-draining neutral pH soil.
Ivory Silk Lilac Care
Here are the basic requirements to grow ivory silk lilac.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Light
This tree needs full sun.
A partially sunny or shaded location reduces the number of flowers.
If it is in a sunny spot, your tree will explode with huge white clusters of blooms.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The ideal soil is average, rich in organic material, well-draining, and neutral to slightly alkaline.
Water
Ivory silk lilac is somewhat drought tolerant.
However, in extremely dry weather, the tree appreciates supplemental water.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water a newly planted tree weekly at a rate of a gallon per trunk diameter at chest height.
Maintenance pruning rejuvenates the tree and encourages new growth.
Trim away 1/3 of your trees largest stems.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Prune annually while the tree is dormant and before new growth appears.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
The ivory silk lilac is not bothered by many insects.
Borers may annoy the tree but it is not a serious problem.
However excessive boring into the branches may weaken them and they will break off.
Prevent infestation by keeping your tree stress-free with water and regular fertilizing in overly dry weather.
If borers attack, remove the infested, damaged branches and dispose of them responsibly.
Verticillium wilt is a concern, but proper fertilizing andproper tool sanitationare the best ways to avoid this problem.
The bloom period is short, however, lasting a couple of weeks.
What Do Ivory Silk Lilac Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Ivory silk lilac produces panicles of creamy white blossoms but they do not have much of a scent.
Deadheading Ivory Silk Lilac Flowers
Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more growth and blooming.
Wilting Flowers
Wilting flowers may indicate too much fertilizer or nitrogen in the soil.
Leaf Drop
Defoliation may occur on ivory silk lilac trees planted in too much shade.
The trees may be afflicted by powdery mildew, which can cause leaf drop.
Leaves will turn black and die.
Wet weather causes this problem.
Thin out extra shoots in the tree to give the plant air circulation.
Control the plant’s height by trimming it after the flowers bloom.
Bacterial Blight.University of Wisconsin Extension.
Syrnga Reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’: ‘Ivory Silk’ Japanese Tree Lilac.University of Florida Extension.
