Syringa × chinensis
Rouen lilac
A bushy deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 4m high, with arching stems and oval-shaped, deep green leaves. Clusters of very fragrant, lilac-purple flowers to 15cm long are produced in late spring
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives 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
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings or by layering in early summer, by grafting in winter or by chip budding in midsummer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, trim immediately after flowering if necessary (see pruning group 1)
Pests
May be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, thrips and willow scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus, phytophthora, powdery mildews and bacterial canker
Get involved
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