Overview
Syringa 'Betsy Ross' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Syringa, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Syringa 'Betsy Ross' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and flower borders and beds.
About
Syringa 'Betsy Ross' (lilac 'Betsy Ross') is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Syringa, known for its simple leaves and conical clusters of small, aromatic tubular flowers in late spring or early summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained alkaline to neutral soils. Hardy to UK zone H6, it suits a range of garden settings from cottage and informal gardens to city courtyards and coastal areas. Propagation can be achieved through softwood cuttings, layering in early summer, or grafting in winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Syringa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained,Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Syringa 'Betsy Ross' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Syringa 'Betsy Ross'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings,Layering in early summer,Grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- Lilac leaf-mining moth,Willow scale,Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Lilac blight,Honey fungus,Phytophthora,Powdery mildews,Bacterial canker
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Syringa 'Betsy Ross'?
Syringa 'Betsy Ross' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Syringa 'Betsy Ross' need?
Syringa 'Betsy Ross' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Syringa 'Betsy Ross' hardy in the UK?
Syringa 'Betsy Ross' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Syringa 'Betsy Ross'?
Softwood cuttings,Layering in early summer,Grafting in winter.
More in the Syringa genus
- Syringa emodiHimalayan lilac
- Syringa josikaea 'Oden'
- Syringa komarowii subsp. komarowii
- Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba'
- Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer'
- Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl'
- Syringa reticulataJapanese tree lilac
- Syringa reticulata 'City of Toronto'