Syringa pubescens Seeds | Hairy Lilac
LATIN NAME: Syringa pubescens
COMMON NAME: Hairy Lilac
Plant Profile
Syringa pubescens, better known as Hairy Lilac, is a deciduous shrub in the olive family, native to woodlands of the northern and the central China, while it is grown as a treasured ornamental shrub. In olive family it is fragrant, many-flowered lilac of north, a shrub whose scent has been part of spring garden for as long as gardens have been kept. At maturity it stands about Three metres. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the olive family, Syringa pubescens contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Lilac scent is one of the most studied of the spring fragrances, and the hairy lilac appears in the perfumery papers for the volatile oils of its small, tubular flowers. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
Hairy Lilac works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In spring garden, hairy lilac is fragrant tower of the border. Its dense heads of lilac-pink flowers feed bees of spring, broad, leafy growth gives cover and shelter to birds, and scent carries across the whole garden on the warm days. Perfumers and gardeners alike have treasured lilac for generations, and it grows well in moist, well-drained ground of sunny, open spot. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Lilac is the fragrance of late spring, grown purely for its panicles of perfume; it has no medicinal record, only joy.
Growing from Seed
Starting Hairy Lilac from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
Hairy Lilac repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Hairy Lilac often pair it with these related subjects: