Overview
Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Syringa, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and flower borders and beds.
About
Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis, also known as the Pekin lilac or the Chinese tree lilac, grows in an open, multi-stemmed form to a height of 15 to 20 feet, with a spread of 10 to 15 feet.
About the genus
Syringa is a genus of 12 currently recognized species of flowering woody plants in the olive family called lilacs. They are native to woodland and scrub from southeastern Europe to eastern Asia, and widely and commonly cultivated in temperate areas elsewhere.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Syringa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained,Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings,Layering in early summer,Grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- Lilac leaf-mining moth,Willow scale,Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Lilac blight,Honey fungus,Phytophthora,Powdery mildews,Bacterial canker
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl'?
Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' need?
Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' hardy in the UK?
Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl'?
Softwood cuttings,Layering in early summer,Grafting in winter.
More in the Syringa genus
- Syringa 'Betsy Ross'lilac 'Betsy Ross'
- Syringa emodiHimalayan lilac
- Syringa josikaea 'Oden'
- Syringa komarowii subsp. komarowii
- Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba'
- Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer'
- Syringa reticulataJapanese tree lilac
- Syringa reticulata 'City of Toronto'