Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ (Lilac)

Highly popular, award-winning Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ (Lilac) is an upright, deciduous shrub noted for its unusual bicolor flowers. Sweetly scented, they form large, pyramidal panicles of purplish red florets adorned with white edges. Blooming in late spring, the blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the plant. The erect, open branches are clothed in rich green, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows with a relatively loose habit, up to 8-10 ft. tall and wide (240-300 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 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. Promptly remove root suckers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent unwanted colonial spread.