About
A slow-growing deciduous shrub, to around 2.5m high, with an upright to spreading habit and heart-shaped green leaves. Upright clusters of aromatic flowers are produced in late spring; individual flowers are often larger than usual and with more petals than the standard four. The name 'Rochester' is given to a strain developed from a single seed parent, so flower colour may vary, from the original white to pale or deep purple.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, humus-rich alkaline to neutral soils in full sun. Needs good drainage, especially over winter, and good air flow around the plant. Mulch well in spring
PruningMinimal pruning required, trim immediately after flowering if necessary (see pruning group 1)
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings, by layering in early summer or by grafting in winter. This cultivar can be slow to propagate
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, thrips and willow scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus, phytophthora, powdery mildews and bacterial canker