About
A large bushy shrub, deciduos shrub which can also be grown as a tree. Large panicles of double rose-lilac, white centered flowers appear in the spring. Leaves are green to mid green.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Mulch regularly. Dead head newly planted lilacs before fruit forms.
PruningPruning group 1. Will tolerate hard renovation pruning
PropagationPropagate by soft wood cuttings or layering in early summer. Graft in winter or bud in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible leaf mining moths, thrips and willow scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus