Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Korean lilacs tend to be more bushy and dense when compared to common or french lilacs. They have an upright, rounded habit, and grow to about 6 to 9 feet tall and wide, depending on the cultivar. Generally, the leaves are small compared to other lilacs and more rounded. Flowers appear in clusters or racemes, but more open than in other lilacs; flowers are generally fragrant. A common cultivar is 'Miss Kim' which grows from 4 to 7 feet tall and wide, with fragrant lavender flowers in May and its dark green leaves turn burgundy in the fall. A nice addition to the shrub or foundation border, or as a hedge or screen; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but best bloom is in full sun. Prefers rich, moist, somewhat neutral soils. Needs good air circulation (to prevent powdery mildew). Prompt removal of faded flower panicles before seed set will increase bloom in the following year; so prune immediately after flowering - tucking the cut stems into vases of water to enjoy inside, maybe.