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
- Syringa 'Betsy Ross'lilac 'Betsy Ross'

- Syringa emodiHimalayan lilac

- Syringa josikaea 'Oden'
- Syringa komarowii subsp. komarowii
- Syringa oblata subsp. oblata 'Alba'

- Syringa pekinensis 'Gimborn's China Pearl'

- Syringa reticulataJapanese tree lilac

- Syringa reticulata 'City of Toronto'
