Overview
Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Syringa, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' 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 oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the Syringa genus, known for its simple leaves and conical clusters of small, highly aromatic tubular flowers. This cultivar flowers in spring and summer, thriving in full sun and adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained or well-drained. It is hardy in the UK (H6) and suitable for use in cottage and informal gardens, city and courtyard gardens, coastal areas, and flower borders. 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 oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' 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 oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba'
- 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 oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba'?
Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' need?
Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' 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 oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba' 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 oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba'?
Softwood cuttings,Layering in early summer,Grafting in winter.
More in the Syringa genus
- Syringa 'Betsy Ross'lilac 'Betsy Ross'

- Syringa emodiHimalayan lilac

- Syringa josikaea 'Oden'
- Syringa komarowii subsp. komarowii
- Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer'

- Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl'

- Syringa reticulataJapanese tree lilac

- Syringa reticulata 'City of Toronto'
