About
A bushy deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 4m high, with arching stems and oval-shaped, rich green leaves. Clusters of very scented, lilac-purple flowers to 15cm long are produced in late spring.
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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationThrives in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich alkaline to neutral soils in full sun, though this hybrid will often tolerate slightly acidic soils and some light shade. Mulch regularly
PruningMinimal pruning required, trim immediately after flowering if necessary (see pruning group 1)
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or by layering in early summer, by grafting in winter or by chip budding in midsummer
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