Dense clusters of fragrant, double, dark purple-red flowers in May and June and heart-shaped, dark green leaves. This dramatic, dark purple lilac makes an excellent backdrop for a sunny mixed or shrub border. The plant copes well with alkaline soils, an important factor when planting ground recently cleared of builders' rubble.
How to care for Syringa vulgaris Charles Joly:
In mid-summer remove the faded flower heads carefully using secateurs to avoid damaging the young shoots. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
4m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.