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. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Syringa
Species - Villosa
Common name - Late Lilac
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 6'-12' / 1.80 - 3.70 m
Spread - 5'-10' / 1.50 - 3 m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous ornamental
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Neutral
Soil type - Loam, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Cutflower, Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
Germination rate - 85
Bloom season - Late Spring, Early Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Purple, lavender
Useful Info | |
Germination | Seed will benefit from a short cold moist stratification (30-60 days) to increase speed, uniformity and % of germination. Germination will improve with alternating temperatures of approx. 8 hours @ 86 deg. F and 16 hours @ 68 deg. Many growers use a fungicide durring stratification. Other sterilization methods you can use include a 12 hour hydrogen-peroxide soak; surface sterilization with a 1:10 bleach:water mix, soaking the seed for 8 minutes then thoroughly washing off the bleach with warm water; a short diluted iodine soak. 1. Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours 2. Stratification: cold stratify for 30-60 days 3. Germination: sow seed 1/4 deep, keep moist, mulch the seed bed, cover seedbed with some shade, can be sown outdoors in the fall for spring germination. Stratified syringa seeds normally germinates in 14-60 days. Normally will only germinate with light, GA-3 may promote germination - even in the dark. |