Product description
Known by the Latin Syringa vulgaris tree and, more commonly, the lilac tree or lilac shrub, this hardy plant is easy to care for and produces a reliable show of flowers from late spring. The Syringa Charles Joly garden plant cultivar boasts heart-shaped mid-green foliage with large clusters of double flowers in a striking shade of purple-red.
Lilac trees are a magnet for pollinators and make an ideal butterfly plant as the perfumed nectar-rich blooms provide pollinating insects with valuable energy. Position your lilac tree plant in a sunny spot to yield the best coloured flowers and invite lots of bees and butterflies into the garden.
The compact size of the purple lilac tree makes it ideal for mixed shrub borders, but it also works well grown against south-facing walls and fences. This flowering outdoor plant is relatively fast growing, especially when it is young, and tolerates most soil types.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Syringa in late spring, immediately after flowering, to encourage fresh blooms and maintain a neat shape. Remove spent flower heads, deadwood, and any crossing branches to improve air circulation and promote healthy growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as Syringa blooms on old wood, and over-pruning may reduce flowering the following year. With proper care, your Syringa will reward you with stunning blooms and a delightful fragrance year after year.
How to Water
Water Syringa deeply immediately after planting and continue to water regularly during its first year to establish strong roots. During dry spells, provide additional watering, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Syringa trees are drought-tolerant but will perform best with occasional deep watering during extended periods of heat. Always water at the base of the tree to minimise disease risks and promote healthy growth.
How to Plant
To plant Syringa, choose a sunny spot with well-draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly shallower than its depth. Place the tree with its root collar at soil level, backfill gently, and firm the soil around the base. Water thoroughly to settle the roots. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but leave a gap around the trunk to prevent rot. Ensure sufficient spacing of at least 2–3 metres to allow for mature growth and airflow.