Hungarian lilac
Syringa Josikaea
Description
Hungarian lilac - Syringa josikaea
(deciduous ornamental shrub with fragrant spring bloom)
Origins and characteristics
Native to the forests of Hungary, Ukraine and Romania, Syringa josikaea belongs to the Oleaceae family, like common lilacs and mock oranges.
Its natural elegance and exceptional hardiness make it an excellent choice for continental or mountainous climates.
Description and features
- Adult height : 3 to 4 metres
- Spread : 2 to 3 metres
- Habit : Bushy, dense and full
- Foliage : Deciduous, large elliptical leaves, glossy dark green
- Flowering : May to June
- Flowers : Single, tubular, in large branched clusters 15–20 cm long, pale mauve
- Fragrance : Soft, pleasant, attracts pollinators
- Hardiness : Exceptional (down to -30 °C)
Exposure and soil
- Exposure : Full sun or partial shade
- Soil : Ericaceous soil or fresh, slightly acidic humus-rich soil
- Tolerances : Tolerates light shade and moist but well-drained soils
Planting
- Spacing : 2.5 to 3 metres for a natural hedge or isolated planting
- Preparation : Enrich the soil with pure ericaceous compost to encourage establishment
Watering
- After planting : Regular watering during the first two years
- Later : Appreciates soil moisture; mulch in summer to retain humidity
Pruning
- When to prune? : After flowering (June–July)
- How to prune? :
- Remove faded clusters
- Thin out the shrub every 3–4 years by removing old branches
- Avoid drastic pruning that would reduce flowering
Propagation
- By cuttings : Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- By seed : Possible but slow and unpredictable
- By suckering : Simple technique when natural shoots appear
Garden uses
The Hungarian lilac is perfect for:
- Flowering and natural hedges
- Shrub borders in country-style gardens
- Specimen planting to highlight its bloom
- Large containers on terraces or spacious balconies
Disease protection
- Very robust shrub
- Rarely affected by diseases
- Watch for powdery mildew in very humid summers (prevent with good air circulation)
Tips for good development
- Plant in slightly acidic, fresh soil for optimal growth
- Sunny exposure encourages flowering, but partial shade is well tolerated
- Mulch in summer to maintain soil moisture
- Apply organic fertiliser in spring if needed
Syringa josikaea, the Hungarian lilac, is a treasure for romantic or natural gardens: its delicate mauve bloom, soft fragrance and strong resistance to harsh climates make it an ideal plant for long-lasting outdoor beauty.
Features
- Common name : Hungarian lilac
- Family : Oleaceae
- Category : shrub
- Spread : 2 - 3 m
- Foliage : deciduous
- Color of flowers : purple
- Use : isolated - shrubbery - flowering hedge
- Soil : acid
- Habit : bushy
- Earth to use : heath earth/compost/peat
- Enemies : thrips - aphid - mite - leaf miner
- Possible diseases : root rot - canker
Expédition & livraison
How does the delivery work?
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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