Syringa x prestoniae ‘Miss Canada’ (Preston Lilac)

Extremely hardy, Syringa x prestoniae ‘Miss Canada’ (Preston Lilac) is a deciduous shrub with large panicles packed with sweetly scented, tubular, single, brilliant rosy-pink flowers. Opening from reddish buds in early summer, 2-3 weeks after the common lilacs, the abundant blossoms are produced on new spring growth. The erect branches are clothed in glossy, deep green, lance-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer and turn a beautiful yellow-green in fall. This lilac does not make suckers. Perfect to extend the lilac season, it is suitable for warmer climates.

• Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall and wide (180-360 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, alkaline to neutral, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Thrives in chalk but dislikes acidic soils. Tolerates light shade, but the best flower production occurs in full sun. Appreciates mulching when planted in full sun. Needs good air circulation.
• No serious insect or disease problems. May get leaf-mining moths, 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 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.