Early Lilac Syringa oblata
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Syringa affinis
- Syringa chinensis
- Syringa giraldii
- Phonetic Spelling
- si-RING-gah ob-LAY-tuh
- Description
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Early lilac is a perennial shrub or tree in the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to China. The species epithet, Latin for “oblate,” highlights the fact that the leaves are wider than they are long.
It is hardy, preferring hot summers and cold winters. Good air circulation is needed to prevent diseases. Early lilac grows best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils where the pH hovers between slightly acidic and slightly alkaline. Removing the spent blooms before they set seed will give you more blooms the next year.
This is the earliest-blooming lilac, but consequently, flower buds are susceptible to frost injury in early spring. This is the only lilac that gives any appreciable autumn color.
This is best planted near a patio or walkway where the fragrance can be enjoyed.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Powdery mildew can be an issue on the foliage in late summer. Leaf spot may also appear. Aphids, caterpillars, borers, and scale are insects that may damage this plant.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Syringa
- Species:
- oblata
- Family:
- Oleaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Harvested from the wild as a source of an essential oil.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Layering
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China
- Distribution:
- Northern China , northwest Korea, and eastern Russia
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Fragrance
- Dimensions:
- Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Multi-trunked
- Oval
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Vase
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Cross
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 2- to 7-inch panicle of lilac-purple flowers.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Orbicular
- Ovate
- Reniform
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 2- to 4-inch dark bluish-green leaves, acuminate tips, and cordate bases. New growth is bronze-red. Reddish to reddish-purple fall color.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Multi trunked.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Recreational Play Area
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Flowering Tree
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Urban Conditions
