This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  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.
  
  
• Garden care: 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.