Dwarf Lilac Bush

These Syringa patula or Syringa pubescens, also known as Korean or Dwarf Lilac, produce clusters of sweet-scented, lilac-coloured flowers from late spring to early summer. Their compact size makes them ideal for a smaller garden or patio and they will thrive in a sunny, sheltered spot.

Your Lilac will do well either planted out in a sheltered position with well-draining soil or in a pot on a bright patio. Choose a sunny spot for your plant where you can enjoy the scented blooms.

When planting out, dig a nice big hole and add some compost or well-rotted manure to help your plant settle in. Keep your plant well-watered whilst it is establishing and then water as necessary. If keeping your plant in a container, it will need more regular watering, especially in warm weather. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Your Lilac won’t need a lot of maintenance. In mid-summer remove the faded flowers carefully using sharp secateurs and in early spring add a top dressing of compost to the base of the plant.

Problem Solving

If your Lilac’s leaves start to droop in the summer months and the flowers start to drop you know it is thirsty, so water straight away. Lilacs are deciduous though so do not be alarmed when it drops its leaves in the autumn.