Overview

Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' is a bushy, clump forming deciduous shrub in the genus Syringa, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall and 4 m wide. Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and 6.5-7.0 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and specimen plant. It is native to Balkan Peninsula.

About

Syringa vulgaris, the lilac or common lilac, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family, Oleaceae. Native to the Balkan Peninsula, it is widely cultivated for its scented flowers in Europe and North America.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Syringa vulgaris

About the genus

Syringa is a genus of 12 currently recognized species of flowering woody plants in the olive family called lilacs. They are native to woodland and scrub from southeastern Europe to eastern Asia, and widely and commonly cultivated in temperate areas elsewhere.

Wikipedia contributors, "Syringa", CC BY-SA 4.0Syringa

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Syringa

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
6.5-7.0
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Full sun
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Deciduous shrub
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
6.0 m
Spread
4 m
Suggested uses
Hedges, borders, specimen plant
Native to
Balkan Peninsula
Fragrance
Strongly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, benefits from annual pruning
Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage blooms
Propagation
Softwood cuttings, suckers, grafting
Pest resistance
Lilac leaf-mining moth, Privet Thrips, Pigeon damage
Disease resistance
Lilac blight, Honey fungus, Phytophthora, Powdery mildews, Bacterial canker

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth'?

Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, benefits from annual pruning.

Where is the best place to plant Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth'?

Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' need?

Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers 6.5-7.0 soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth'?

Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage blooms.

How big does Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' grow?

Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' reaches a height of 6.0 m and a spread of 4 m.

Is Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' hardy in the UK?

Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Syringa vulgaris 'Souvenir de LouisSpaeth'?

Softwood cuttings, suckers, grafting.

More in the Syringa genus

Browse all Syringa