Description

One of the most striking specimen trees used in landscapes! A smallish tree with stiff, spreading branches developing a somewhat oval-rounded to vase shaped crown. Large white showy flowers adorn the tree in early summer creating quite a spectacular display. Bark is unique feature–dark gray-brown to purplish, quite smooth and sometimes lustrous! Mature ht 6 m (20 ft), spreads 4 m (13 ft). 35 cm (14 in) plants. Space at least 4 m (12 ft) apart. Ivory Silk variety

Planting Instructions

SHRUBS, TREES & FRUIT TREES

All “bare root” nursery stock (wrapped in cedar shavings) must be soaked for a minimum of 24 hours upon arrival.

Please “DO NOT” soak “seedling plugs” which are all-ready growing in soil, these should just be watered and transplanted directly into the garden.

Please make sure to read the plant label, it tells you how to handle it!

-Separate cedar packing material from roots and discard, it should not go into planting hole.

-Young trees need ample water to establish, generous waterings 2 times a week for the first two months, three if conditions are very dry.

-Always dig hole large enough so that roots are spread out evenly.

-Plant about 1-2 inches lower than old soil mark on tree or shrub.

-Never let exposed roots dry out in sun or wind.

-Apply light feeding of Fruit Tree and Shrub Fertilizer after initial planting, then every 2-3 weeks after that until late August.

-If you are unable to plant right away, make sure roots are soaking in water and in a cool place.

-On any grafted stock, make sure you cut off any suckers (branches from below graft) that start growing. These occur most often on Apple trees, plums and Roses.

PRUNING

Prune to get the desired shape and height or to check vigorous growth. On spring flowering shrubs, pruning should take place after flowering is completed. Non-flowering shrubs should be pruned during dormant period. It is helpful to prune back the top third after planting, this gives the shrubs roots a better start as they have less to feed and thus can root quicker.

BREAKING DORMANCY

We store all our nursery stock in temperature controlled coolers right up until we ship. When you receive your stock it will just be starting to break dormancy. Soaking of stock is essential in getting the stock off to a good start. In some cases stock may be slow to leaf out. If this happens prune back tree or shrub by 1/3 and water heavily for 10 days. This will encourage stock to root and break dormancy.

WINDBREAKS

Windbreaks may be planted in single rows or double staggered rows, (which result in more rapid growth of a thicker, denser and wider hedge).  Japanese Tree Lilac should be spaced at least 6 m (18 ft) apart.