Early lilac (Chinese lilac) Syringa oblata
Early lilac (Chinese lilac) (Syringa oblata) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Oleaceae family, native to Northern China and Korea. It grows 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall and 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Early lilac (Chinese lilac) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Early lilac (Chinese lilac) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Mature height | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Northern China and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Early lilac (Chinese lilac) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Lilacs are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Early lilac (Chinese lilac)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Early lilac (Chinese lilac) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- China National Botanical Garden (11 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (3 plants)
Questions about Early lilac (Chinese lilac)
- How far apart should I plant Early lilac (Chinese lilac)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft).
- Does Early lilac (Chinese lilac) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Early lilac (Chinese lilac) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Early lilac (Chinese lilac)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Early lilac (Chinese lilac) flower?
- From about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Early lilac (Chinese lilac) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Lilacs are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Early lilac (Chinese lilac)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Early lilac (Chinese lilac). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Broad heart-shaped leaves that turn wine-red in autumn; fragrant panicles in April. Beijing's city flower is the lilac.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris
- Common privet Ligustrum vulgare
- Forsythia Forsythia x intermedia
- Common jasmine Jasminum officinale
- Olive Olea europaea
- Sweet osmanthus Osmanthus fragrans
- Arabian jasmine Jasminum sambac
- Night jasmine (parijat) Nyctanthes arbor-tristis