About

A deciduous shrub which slowly Attains approx 3m tall and wide. It has green heart-shaped leaves and in late spring/early summer, has many clusters of mauve semi-double flowers which are very sweet-smelling.

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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in good light, in moist but well-drained soil. It likes neutral to alkaline soil and thrives in chalky ground.
PruningPruning group 1 or can tolerate hard pruning if needed
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, privet thrips; and also to pigeon damage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus, phytophthora, powdery mildews and bacterial canker (Pseudomonas Syringae)