Syringa x hyacinthiflora Scentara Pura® (Early Flowering Lilac)

Great for warm climate gardens, Syringa x hyacinthiflora Scentara Scentara Pura® (Early Flowering Lilac) is a compact, upright, deciduous shrub with showy panicles packed with very fragrant, pure purple flowers. Blooming in mid-spring, about 7-10 days earlier than common lilacs, its abundant blossoms make a dramatic display. The erect, open branches are clothed with fresh green, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer. Uniform, heavy-blooming, and disease-tolerant, it makes an excellent specimen or background plant and can be used as an informal hedge or screen. Scentara Pura lilac requires less chilling than other lilacs, so performs better when winters are mild.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 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.