Syringa vulgaris aposKatherine Havemeyerapos common lilac

Position full sun Soil fertile, humus rich, well drained, neutral to alkaline soil Rate of Growth average Flowering period May and June Flowers lavender blue Other features heart shaped, dark green leaves Hardiness fully hardy Dense clusters of wonderfully scented, double, lavender blue flowers from purple buds in May and June and heart shaped, mid green leaves. This pretty, spreading lilac makes an excellent backdrop for a sunny, mixed or shrub border. Mulch each year in early spring and avoid pruning young plants, except to remove unproductive or diseased wood. 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.