Overview
Syringa microphylla 'Superba' is a shrub in the genus Syringa, part of the Oleaceae family. Syringa microphylla 'Superba' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, hedges and fragrance gardens. It is native to China.
About
Syringa microphylla 'Superba' is a cultivar of the Littleleaf Lilac, a shrub in the genus Syringa, which comprises 12 species of flowering woody plants in the olive family. Native to China, this cultivar thrives in well-drained, moist soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and prefers a sunny or partially shaded, sheltered position facing south. It is hardy in the UK (H5) and is valued for its strong, pleasant fragrance. Suitable for borders, hedges, and fragrance gardens, it benefits from pruning immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
About the genus
Syringa is a genus of 12 currently recognized species of flowering woody plants in the olive family called lilacs. They are native to woodland and scrub from southeastern Europe to eastern Asia, and widely and commonly cultivated in temperate areas elsewhere.
Wikipedia contributors, "Syringa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Syringa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Syringa
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- south
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Syringa microphylla 'Superba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Suggested uses
- borders, hedges, fragrance gardens
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- strong,pleasant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Syringa microphylla 'Superba'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; prune after flowering to maintain shape.
- Pruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to encourage bushiness and remove old wood.
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings,semi-hardwood cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Syringa microphylla 'Superba'?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Where is the best place to plant Syringa microphylla 'Superba'?
Syringa microphylla 'Superba' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Syringa microphylla 'Superba' need?
Syringa microphylla 'Superba' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Syringa microphylla 'Superba'?
Prune immediately after flowering to encourage bushiness and remove old wood.
Is Syringa microphylla 'Superba' hardy in the UK?
Syringa microphylla 'Superba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Syringa microphylla 'Superba'?
Softwood cuttings,semi-hardwood cuttings.
