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Syringa x hyacinthiflora

Image of Syringa x hyacinthiflora

Jessie Keith

Family

Oleaceae

Botanical Name

Syringa x hyacinthiflora

Plant Common Name

Early-flowering Lilac

General Description

An early-blooming hardy lilac, early-flowering lilac is a hybrid between common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and the East-Asian native Syringa oblata. Many lovely cultivars exist. The French nurseryman Victor Lemoine introduced the first ('Hyacinthiflora Plena') in 1878 followed by many more introductions, such as the pink-flowered 'Buffon.' The first American Syringa x hyacinthiflora cultivars were developed by Walter Clarke of San Jose, California, and by Frank Skinner of Dropmore, Manitoba. Clarke's introductions, including 'Blue Hyacinth' and pink-flowered 'Esther Staley', are among the best lilacs for regions with mild winters, whereas Skinner's white-flowered 'The Bride' and purple-bloomed 'Pocahontas' make excellent choices for regions with severely cold winters.

Early-flowering lilac resembles the common lilac, forming large, rather open, heart to oval-leaved shrubs. Fragrant, conical clusters of magenta, purple, lilac, pink, blue, or white flowers are produced at the branch tips from early to mid-spring. The flowers may be single or double, depending on the cultivar. Most flower a week or more before common lilac.

Sites with full to partial sun and well-drained, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soil are ideal for early-flowering lilac. Plants are most floriferous and least lanky in full sun. With few exceptions, chilly winters and moderate summers are required for healthy flowering and growth. The early blooms may be damaged by late frosts. Powdery mildew is often a problem later in the season when growing conditions become hot and humid. This is an ideal old-fashioned shrub for screens, tall hedges, or specimen plants.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    3 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m

  • Width

    8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Blue, Purple, Light Yellow, Pink, Light Pink, Lavender, Blue Violet

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single, Double

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No