Copper Curls® Peking Lilac Tree

Copper Curls® is the marketed name for ‘SunDak’, a Peking lilac tree selected for coppery-orange exfoliating bark and fragrant creamy-white flower panicles. It develops an upright, spreading crown; published mature estimates of 20–25 feet tall and wide are consistent with the existing approximate dimensions, though mature size varies with growing conditions. ## Flowers and bark Flowers appear in late spring to early summer. The coppery bark remains a feature after bloom and gives the tree year-round texture. Glover describes fragrant creamy-white flower plumes and coppery-bronze peeling bark. The Morton Arboretum’s Peking lilac profile lists butterflies, hummingbirds, and insect pollinators among its wildlife visitors. ## Siting Plant in full sun, filtered sun, or light shade in well-drained soil. Glover lists low water requirements; the Morton Arboretum reports moderate drought tolerance once established and advises avoiding wet sites. Water newly planted trees regularly, then adjust to local conditions. ## Maintenance Prune after flowering if needed and remove spent panicles before seed set. Keep structural pruning modest so the naturally spreading form and flower display remain intact; water during prolonged dry periods after establishment. Sources: [Glover Nursery: Copper Curls Pekin lilac](https://glovercatalog.com/product/lilac-copper-curls-pekin); [Morton Arboretum: Peking lilac](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/peking-lilac/); [U.S. Plant Patent PP16,570](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP16570).