Height at maturity
3 - 5M
Flowering period
May-June then September
Origin
Europe (south-east)
Charles Joly Lilac - Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly'
(deciduous ornamental shrub with double, fragrant spring bloom)
Origins and characteristics
Bred in France in the 19th century by Victor Lemoine, a renowned lilac hybridizer, Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly' belongs to the Oleaceae family.
Its noble appearance and spectacular flowering have made this cultivar one of the most prized double lilacs among lovers of romantic gardens.
Description and features
- Mature height: 3 to 5 metres
- Width: 2 to 3 metres
- Habit: Upright, bushy, slightly spreading
- Foliage: Deciduous, large heart-shaped leaves, matte green
- Flowering: May - June, then again in September
- Flowers: Double, purple-violet to almost red, very dense, in long pyramidal clusters (15 to 20 cm)
- Fragrance: Strong and captivating, ideal for bouquets
- Hardiness: Excellent (down to -25 °C)
Exposure and soil
- Exposure: Full sun preferred; tolerates partial shade
- Soil: Light to medium, fresh but well-drained; tolerates slightly calcareous soils
- Tolerances: Very resistant to cold and harsh winters
Planting
- Best time: Autumn or early spring
- Spacing: 2.5 to 3 metres to allow proper development
- Preparation: Amend soil with compost or a mix of potting soil and garden soil
Watering
- After planting: Regular watering during the first two years
- Later: Low maintenance; water during prolonged drought
Pruning
- When to prune?: Immediately after flowering
- How to prune?:
- Remove faded clusters to prevent plant exhaustion
- Lightly thin out branches every 3–4 years to improve airflow and encourage new flowering shoots
Propagation
- By suckers: Common practice for lilacs
- By cuttings: Possible in summer to preserve the double-flowering characteristics
Garden uses
The 'Charles Joly' lilac is ideal for:
- Specimen planting to highlight its bloom
- Informal flowering hedges for natural boundaries
- Shrub borders combined with hydrangeas, Japanese snowbells or viburnums
- Spring bouquets to perfume the home with its sumptuous double flowers
Disease resistance
- Robust plant
- Occasionally susceptible to powdery mildew in humid summers; prevent with good air circulation
Tips for good growth
- Plant in a sunny location to maximise flowering
- Add mature compost at the base in late winter to stimulate blooming
- Prune regularly but lightly to keep the shrub vigorous and well-shaped
- Water during prolonged dry periods to avoid water stress
Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly', with its vigour, double purple-violet flowers and intoxicating fragrance, is a true star of the spring garden. A perfect choice for those seeking a classic, hardy lilac with particularly spectacular flowering.
Caractéristiques
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Common name :
Lilas Charles Joly
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Family :
Oléaceae
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Category :
shrub
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Spread :
3,5M
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Foliage :
deciduous
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Color of flowers :
Double, purple
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Use :
isolated, flowered hedge
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Soil :
Rich, humifere, well drained, neutral to alkaline
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Habit :
bushy
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Earth to use :
universal potting soil/garden soil/compost
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Enemies :
Phytopte - aphid - thrips
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Possible diseases :
root rot