{"product_id":"snow-cap-tree-lilac","title":"Snow Cap Tree Lilac","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Fragrant Pollinator Magnet That Blooms When Lilacs Are Done\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSnow Cap Tree Lilac (\u003cem\u003eSyringa reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Elliot') is a compact Japanese tree lilac that delivers one of early summer's great moments — huge, creamy-white panicles whose sweet fragrance can drift across an entire yard, opening in June after the common shrub lilacs have long finished. Bees and butterflies swarm the blooms, making it a standout pollinator tree. It's also tough as nails: disease-resistant, salt-tolerant, and built for boulevards and hard sites, all on a smaller, residential-friendly frame than the full species. Hardy to zone 3, it's perfect for Minnesota. Whether you're planting a fragrant specimen in Edina, a boulevard tree in St. Paul, or a pollinator favorite in Maple Grove, Snow Cap brings late-season lilac magic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSnow Cap Tree Lilac Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribute\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eSyringa reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Elliot' (Snow Cap)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSnow Cap Tree Lilac, Japanese Tree Lilac\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–25 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun (6+ hours) for the best flowering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Tolerant of dry spells once established; appreciates consistent moisture while young.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — very hardy across the metro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighly adaptable. Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam, urban soil, and road salt.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMassive creamy-white fragrant panicles in early summer (June)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePollinator Value\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExcellent — a magnet for bees and butterflies when few other trees bloom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — clean dark green leaves turning yellow in fall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -40°F once established\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood — lilacs are generally not favored by deer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSnow Cap Tree Lilac Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFragrant Flowering Specimen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the common lilacs are spent, Snow Cap takes over with billowing creamy-white panicles that perfume the whole yard. A single tree makes a spectacular, scented focal point near a patio or entry in Edina or Plymouth where the fragrance can be enjoyed up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator and Wildlife Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early-summer blooms are alive with bees and butterflies, providing important forage at a time when many spring flowers have faded. It's an excellent anchor for a pollinator-friendly or Lawns to Legumes planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTough Boulevard and Street Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisease-resistant and salt-tolerant, the Japanese tree lilac is a proven boulevard performer. Snow Cap's compact size makes it especially well-suited to parking strips and street-side spots in Minneapolis and St. Paul where a large shade tree won't fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Snow Cap Tree Lilac in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTree lilac is deciduous, so you have two good planting windows in the Twin Cities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April–May)\u003c\/strong\u003e, once the ground has thawed, is excellent — the tree gets the full growing season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFall (September–mid-October)\u003c\/strong\u003e also works well. Plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes so roots can settle in. Avoid mid-summer planting when heat stress is highest, and never plant into frozen ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Snow Cap Tree Lilac\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — the hole should be 2–3 times the root ball width but only as deep as the ball itself. In heavy clay, dig even wider.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck drainage — if water pools in the hole, break through clay hardpan or mound-plant slightly to keep roots out of standing water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with the native soil mixed with 20–30% compost. Don't create a pure-compost \"container\" in clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the tree so the top of the root ball sits at or just above grade. Allow room for the 15–20 foot mature spread.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a 3–4 inch water basin around the root zone to direct water to the roots; flatten it before winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch with 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chips, kept 2 inches from the trunk, to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Snow Cap Tree Lilac in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeeks 1–2: water every 1–2 days, deep and slow. Month 1–2: every 3–4 days. Month 3 through fall: every 5–7 days during active growth, less when rainfall is adequate. Stop watering 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes in late October so the tree can harden off for winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished Snow Cap Tree Lilac is fairly tough and drought-tolerant, needing supplemental water mainly during extended dry spells (2+ weeks with no rain). Water deeply to 6–8 inches every 7–14 days during drought, and let natural rainfall do most of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Snow Cap Tree Lilac survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — it's hardy to about -40°F and very well adapted to our climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does it bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e In early summer (typically June), weeks after the common shrub lilacs finish — so it extends the lilac season and fills a gap when few other trees are flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it good for pollinators?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very much so — the fragrant panicles draw bees and butterflies in large numbers, making it one of the better small flowering trees for pollinator support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is it different from a shrub lilac?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Japanese tree lilac grows as a true small tree with a single or few trunks and creamy-white (not purple) flowers that bloom later. Snow Cap is a compact selection sized for residential yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring Welcome Magnolia\u003c\/strong\u003e — a fragrant, cold-hardy flowering tree for spring color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShowy Mountain Ash\u003c\/strong\u003e — a native flowering tree with white blooms and bird-friendly berries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrairiefire Crabapple\u003c\/strong\u003e — a disease-resistant flowering crabapple with pollinator value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThornless Cockspur Hawthorn\u003c\/strong\u003e — a thornless four-season flowering tree with persistent fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Snow Cap Tree Lilac Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSnow Cap is a small specimen tree, usually planted singly near a patio, entry, or boulevard strip where its June fragrance can be enjoyed. Give a single tree 15–20 feet of clearance so the rounded crown develops evenly. For a short street or driveway row, plant 15–18 feet on center; a pair flanking an entry walk works well at 18–20 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSnow Cap Tree Lilac Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean dark-green foliage emerges; flower panicles bud up through May while the shrub lilacs steal the early show.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The main event — huge creamy-white panicles in June perfume the whole yard and hum with bees and butterflies, weeks after common lilacs finish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage turns a tidy yellow; seed clusters add light texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handsome glossy, cherry-like reddish-brown bark and a compact branch structure give it real presence against the snow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Salt-Tolerant   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/spring-welcome-magnolia\"\u003eSpring Welcome Magnolia\u003c\/a\u003e — fragrant spring blooms hand off to Snow Cap's June show.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/showy-mountain-ash\"\u003eShowy Mountain Ash\u003c\/a\u003e — native white spring flowers plus bird-feeding fall berries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairiefire-crabapple\"\u003ePrairiefire Crabapple\u003c\/a\u003e — disease-resistant pink-red spring color to start the flowering relay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/thornless-cockspur-hawthorn\"\u003eThornless Cockspur Hawthorn\u003c\/a\u003e — four-season flowering tree with persistent winter fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Snow Cap Tree Lilac Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant Snow Cap if you have a full-sun spot — even a tough boulevard strip with road salt — and want a compact, fragrant flowering tree that feeds pollinators in June and shrugs off deer. It's not a fit for heavy shade: with less than six hours of sun, flowering drops off sharply and you'll miss the very thing this tree is planted for.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"1.75\"BB","offer_id":54260817330481,"sku":"GT-T4030","price":384.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2\"BB","offer_id":54260817363249,"sku":"GT-T4031","price":425.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\"BB","offer_id":54260817396017,"sku":"GT-T4032","price":466.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/snow-cap-tree-lilac.jpg?v=1779426699","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/snow-cap-tree-lilac","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}