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 soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The single, rich purple-red flowers of this rare lilac have a distict white edge to each petal, creating a beautiful bi-colour effect. They are highly fragrant and appear in great trusses in late spring when they will fill the air with their sweet scent. Ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens, these much-loved shrubs can also be trained to form small trees.
  
  
• 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.