Overview

Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Syringa, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' 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, patio and container plants and city and courtyard gardens.

About

Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Syringa, known for its simple, typically entire leaves and conical clusters of small, highly aromatic, 4-lobed tubular flowers in late spring or early summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun and is suitable for west- or south-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, or sand with neutral to alkaline pH, and is hardy to UK zone H6. 'Frank Meyer' is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, and city or courtyard gardens.

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
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer'

Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings or layering in early summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, willow scale and thrips
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus, phytophthora, powdery mildews and bacterial canker (Pseudomonas Syringae)

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer'?

Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' need?

Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' 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 'Frank Meyer' hardy in the UK?

Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Frank Meyer' 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 'Frank Meyer'?

Propagate by softwood cuttings or layering in early summer.

More in the Syringa genus

Browse all Syringa