About
A compact, deciduous shrub to around 1.2m high, with ovate, glossy green leaves. Produces rounded to conical clusters of small, scented, tubular lilac-coloured flowers, with the main flush in late spring followed by a second flush in late summer that can last into early autumn.
About the genus
Syringa can be deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple, entire or rarely pinnate leaves and conical panicles of small, very fragrant, 4-lobed tubular flowers in late spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most well-drained, fertile, humus-rich alkaline to neutral soils. Thrives in chalky ground. Will tolerate some light shade but flowering is best in full sun. Mulch well in spring
PruningMinimal pruning required, trim immediately after spring flowering if necessary (see pruning group 1)
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or by layering in early summer, by grafting in winter or by chip budding in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, thrips and willow scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus, phytophthora, powdery mildews and bacterial canker (Pseudomonas Syringae)