Copper Curls® Pekin Lilac
Scientific Name: Syringa reticulata ssp. pekinensis 'SunDak'
Family: Oleaceae
Location on Campus: 46.892207, -96.802104
Description: A small tree with showy creamy white blossoms and very showy coppery- orange exfoliating bark. Grown either as a single or multi-trunked tree. Cold-tolerant and able to withstand urban environments (soil and pollution) make this an excellent tree for a variety of landscape uses.
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7
Native Habitat: Northern China
Mature Size: Height: 25', Spread: 25’
Form (Shape): Rounded to upright spreading habit
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous. Summer foliage is a glossy dark green. Fall color varies from yellow to yellow-green, not showy.
Texture: Medium
Flowers: Creamy-white flower panicles in late spring/early summer, 12 -14 days after Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris).
Fruit: Large tannish clusters of capsules remain on the tree, which add interest to the winter landscape.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is preferrable. Plant is pH tolerant.
Propagation: Grafting, tissue culture or softwood cuttings
Failure Patterns: Tree failure is uncommon
Insects and Diseases: No serious insect or disease problems
Landscape Use: Copper Curls® Pekin Lilac is a late blooming small tree featuring showy plumes of fragrant creamy-white flowers. It has extremely showy exfoliating coppery-orange bark, which adds significant winter interest. One of the most trouble-free lilacs. Good choice for attracting butterflies and possibly deer resistant. This specimen is tolerant of urban conditions. It is recommended as a boulevard, small shade or landscape specimen tree.
Availability: Available in retail nurseries
Comments: Copper Curls® was introduced in collaboration with Dr. Scott Redlin, Raleigh, NC.
