Chinese lilac (Syringa  × chinensis 'Lilac Sunday') Genus:  Syringa This fragrant hybrid ( S. persica × S. vulgaris ) produces slightly nodding light-purple flower clusters to 6 inches long in midseason. It forms a spreading shrub, 12 feet tall and wide, and shows good disease resistance. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Good disease resistance. Care:  Grow in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Promptly deadhead spent blossoms to produce more robust blooms for the following year. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy framework, remembering that most species form flowers the previous season. Plant in areas with good air circulation to thwart disease. Because lilacs are fire retardant, they can be considered for planting near homes that are susceptible to wildfires. Most lilacs require a period of chilling dormancy. Propagation:  Take softwood cuttings or layer in early summer. Graft in winter; bud in summer. Problems:  Powdery mildew, dieback, leafroll virus, mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO), root knot nematode, Verticillium wilt, witches' broom, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, borers, scale, caterpillars.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Purple Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Flowering Tree, Hedge, Naturalizing, Roadside, Screening Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs