Where to buy lilac tree?

16 years ago

I have been reading recent posts, and did find one that mentioned the "over use" of this tree. I am puzzeled though. If it is so over used, where do they buy these trees? I can't find it! I live in southwest Wisconsin.

The location we want to plant is the boulevard area between the street and lawn. There are power lines above. We will have to remove the trees the PO planted as they are growing into the power lines. Don't know what he was thinking of.

We would like to have a flowering tree that doesn't get too tall. Sounds like this tree would work if I can find it.

Any ideas of where I can buy it?

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Comments (9)

lsu27
16 years ago
I am really surprised that no local nurserys have any of these trees. You may want to expand your search to other cities in your state. However if you do a google search on the tree I am sure you can find many mail order companys that sell this tree. I know for sure that forestfarm.com sells it. I also recommend that you get Jap. Tree Lilac (Variety Ivory Silk) one of the best ones you can get. Also there are some nurserys in Minneapolis that sell these trees if willing to drive there.
basic
16 years ago
You should be able to find Syringa reticulata at just about any full-service nursery. Its a great little tree that has become quite common....and deservedly so. I'm not familiar with many nurseries in SW WI, but I get to Read's Creek at least once a year (they're holding a Bristlecone Pine for me), and its well worth the trip. Keep hunting, you'll find it.

Bob

Here is a link that might be useful: Read's Creek Nursery
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Dibbit
16 years ago
Just be aware that if you want lilacs for scent, the Jap. TL has none, although it is usually very floriferous. Look up the various species of Syringa, and the various hybrids and see which ones have characteristics you want, and then start looking for plants. If it's unusual, you may need to get it by mail-order (on-line-order?). It may be that your local nurseries won't have them now; I've noticed that many plants are in stock just before or as they flower, and then aren't around for the rest of the year. I guess it makes sense as many people tend to buy somewhat on impulse, and most nurseries have only so much display space. Since you can plant potted plants almost any time of the year, if you are willing to water them well, and baby them through the summer, you could take your list of desired lilacs to a good local nursery and ask if they can find them for you now. It might cost you a little more, but supplying plants IS their business, after all. If you want to wait, you could ask for the nursery to find them in the fall. Or, you could use the summer to find on-line sources, and order the trees you want for fall planting. Just be aware that many mail-order plants are smaller than you can get at a nursery, due to shipping costs and cares in packing.
basic
16 years ago
"Just be aware that if you want lilacs for scent, the Jap. TL has none..."

I think dibbit meant to say that JTL does not have the same delightful scent as common lilac (S. vulgaris). Some have compared JTL to Privet, but to my sniffer that isn't quite right either, although there's definitely a hint of it. I actually kind of like the smell of JTL, but its not as fragrant as the shrub varieties.
Dibbit
16 years ago
Basic, you are correct - I DID mean to say that the scent of the JTL was not that of the S. vulgaris or others in the family. Some of them have no scent to speak of, fragrant or not, and I conflated them, as I was in a hurry. And, I am totally unfamiliar with the JTL "in person" so to speak, and only know from my reading.
mary_lu_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone for your help. I am actually not in a hurry as we are planning ahead for next year. The current trees will be removed late this fall.

I did not realize that the JTL was such a common tree. I just came across mention of it last week. Sounded like it would "fit the bill" for us, due to power lines above the boulevard.

Can someone tell me when it blooms in this neck of the woods? From what I have read, it blooms later than the common lilac bush. Maybe June?

I will check with nurseries in Lacrosse and Madison. Those are the 2 largest towns in this part of the state. And if they are that common, hopefully I will have luck.

Again, thank you everyone for your input. Much appreciated.
arbordave (SE MI)
16 years ago
JTL does bloom in June, and 'Ivory Silk' is a nice variety, but you should also consider 'China Snow' (a variety of the closely related Peking Tree Lilac) for its nice bark color.
john_w
16 years ago
Klehm's has an excellent selection in lilacs. Reknowned through the U.S. and lucky for you they are in Racine, Wi. They do mail order. If I recall, they carry an exceptional, unusual cultivar of the Japanese Tree Lilac.

Each year I overspend with this wonderful company.

Here is a link that might be useful: Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery
mary_lu_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
John, thanks so much for the link. I have bought from them in the past and have been very satisfied. Just never thought to check their catalog. Mmmmmm...SYRINGA PEKINENSIS BEIJING GOLD looks wonderful!

arbordave...I will also check out China Snow.

When I mentioned these trees to DH, he suggested that we inter-plant several kinds of blooming trees on the boulevard as we have 100+ feet.

Any suggestions that would look nice with the tree lilac? As I am thinking there will be several lilac trees planted next year.