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Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla ‘Superba’ (Littleleaf Lilac)

Littleleaf Lilac 'Superba', Very Little Leaf Lilac 'Superba', Lilac 'Superba', Syringa microphylla 'Superba'

AGM Award
Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla 'Superba', Very Little Leaf Lilac 'Superba', Lilac 'Superba', Syringa microphylla 'Superba', Fragrant Shrub, Pink Lilac, Pink Flowers

Award-winner Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla ‘Superba’ (Littleleaf Lilac) is a bushy, spreading deciduous shrub adorned with loose panicles of fragrant, single, long-tubed, rosy-pink flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this pretty lilac often repeats bloom in summer or early fall. The dense, fine branches are clothed in small, dark green, broadly-ovate leaves that remain attractive in summer. Introduced in 1933, this Littleleaf Lilac enjoys a good resistance to powdery mildew and is considered heat tolerant. One of the most desirable small scented shrubs, it is perfect for sunny mixed borders and flowering hedges.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 5-7 ft. tall (150-210 cm) and 10-15 ft. wide (300-450 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, alkaline to neutral soils, and well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but best flower quality and disease resistance occur in full sun. Thrives in chalky ground and appreciates mulching when planted in full sun. Foliage needs good air circulation.
  • No serious insect or disease problems. May get leaf-mining moths, and thrips or be affected by lilac blight.
  • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds but is deer resistant.
  • Plant as a specimen or massed in mixed shrub borders for dramatic spring blooms. Use it in the perennial border to add structure to a bed. A great flowering shrub that is perfect for flowering hedges or foundation plantings.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings or layering in early summer. Grafting can be done in winter and chip budding in summer.
  • Prune immediately after flowering. Prompt removal of faded flowers before seed set will increase the bloom production in the following year.

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Lilac Bushes


Learn how to grow lush, healthy, and gorgeous Lilacs

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Syringa
Common names Lilac
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 5' - 7'
(150cm - 210cm)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Syringa josikaea (Hungarian Lilac)
Syringa Baby Kim (Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora Scentara Pura® (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Royal Purple’ (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Angel White’ (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa vulgaris ‘Blue Skies’ (Lilac)

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Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac)
How to Plant, Grow and Care for Lilac Bushes
Edible Flowers: 16 Varieties to Beautify Your Garden and Plate
Syringa x hyacinthiflora (Early Flowering Lilac)
Wonderful Lilacs for the Upper South Region
Blooming Seasons of Lilacs
Great Companion Plants For Your Lilacs
Wonderful Lilacs for the Lower South Region
Wonderful Lilacs for the Middle South Region
Pretty Lilacs for Small Gardens
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Syringa
Common names Lilac
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 5' - 7'
(150cm - 210cm)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Syringa (Lilac)
Guides with
Syringa (Lilac)
Not sure which Syringa (Lilac) to pick?
Compare Now

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