Jesse Saylor
Family
Oleaceae
Botanical Name
SYRINGA villosa
Plant Common Name
Late Lilac
General Description
Few lilacs bloom as late in the season as the super hardy late lilac. This northern Chinese native produces conical upright clusters of purplish-pink or white blooms at the tips of the current season's growth. The fragrant tubular flowers open more than a week or more after those of common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Green seed capsules follow, which change to dark brown by midsummer. Mature specimens reach medium height and develop an upright, rounded habit. Its sandy-brown stems support oval, deeply veined, dark-green leaves that do not produce any notable fall color.
Grow late lilac in full to partial sun and well-drained, mildly acid to mildly alkaline soil. Plants are most floriferous and least lanky when grown in full sun. With its exceptional cold hardiness, this is among the few lilacs that succeed in areas with severe winter cold, such as the northern Great Plains. In fact, cold winters, as well as moderate summers, are required for best growth and flowering. Pruning is typically done after flowering. Remove the seedpods to improve appearance through summer.
Like most lilacs, this species is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid, droughty weather conditions. Use it as a screen, hedge or individual specimen shrub. It can be trained as a multi-stemmed, small tree. Plant it near a path or patio, where its perfumed flowers can work their magic.
Late lilac is perhaps best known as a parent of the well-loved Preston hybrid lilac, Syringa x prestoniae.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Pink, Light Pink, Lavender
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Yellow Green, Brown
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Cutflower, Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
