Lilac Tree (SYRINGA PEKINENSIS) - 'Copper Curls'
'Copper Curls' Pekin Lilac is a new introduction of a species that features showy, airy plumes of fragrant creamy white flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. It has dark green deciduous foliage whose pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. The real show-stopper of 'Copper Curls' is the peeling coppery-bronze bark of the trunk that is beautiful year round but really steals the show in winter against the backdrop of snow. Furthermore, 'Copper Curls' is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats.
Growing to a mature size of 25 feet tall and 18 feet wide, 'Copper Curls' is rated to Hardiness Zone 3a. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and average to evenly moist soil conditions. Will not tolerate standing water, but is not particular as to soil type or pH. Highly tolerant of urban pollution. Like most Lilac cultivars, this is a relatively low maintenance tree, but should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. A lovely accent shade tree, 'Copper Curls' has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard and has no significant negative characteristics.