Trees

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'

Palibin dwarf Korean lilac tree

Also known as: Palibin Meyer lilac · Dwarf Korean lilac standard

Palibin lilac flowers; the catalog plant is trained as a standard tree. Photo: Melikamp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

A rounded crown of small, dark green leaves sits above a clear trunk, bringing fragrant lilac-pink spring flowers closer to eye level. Palibin is a compact lilac commonly grown in this tree form for patios and smaller gardens. Its overall height depends partly on the grafted trunk; light trimming after flowering keeps the crown neat.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: About 6–8 ft in standard tree form · Width: About 6–8 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 3–7
Bloom: Fragrant lilac-pink flowers in late spring

Sizes & prices

#7Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree Form Repeat blooming if you prune the old blooms off.$169.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental flowering specimen
Form: Rounded, dense crown on trained stem
Major issues: Good air circulation reduces foliage disease; watch for mildew, bacterial blight and borers.
Growth rate: Slow
Fruit / litter: Species-type small dry seed capsules may persist into winter; no fleshy fruit crop.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: some resistance; not deer-proof.
Drought: Parent-species guidance: occasional dry periods tolerated after establishment.
Wet soil: Avoid soggy or poorly drained ground.
Disease: Good powdery-mildew resistance; not immune

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Butterflies

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Small green leaves; deciduous

Growing & care

Soil: Fertile, well-drained; neutral to alkaline preferred
Pruning: Shape just after spring flowering. On standards, remove rootstock and trunk shoots.

Sources & photo credits

Oregon State University

Sprout Home

SuperTrees Nursery

Royal Horticultural Society

NC State Extension

Photo: Melikamp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 3.0

Image notes: Palibin lilac flowers; the catalog plant is trained as a standard tree. Photo: Melikamp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.