Easily extend the amount of time you get to enjoy the mesmerizing springtime scent of Lilacs by simply adding James MacFarlane Lilac (Syringa x presoniae ‘James MacFarlane’). They bloom just about two weeks later than Syringa vulgaris types. And what magnificent blooms!
True pink flowers bloom freely on large trusses borne on the branch tips for a showy spring display. These deliciously scented flowers bloom in May and June, depending on where you live. They are especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. They are so floriferous you can use a single stem as a bouquet all by itself! The flowers are held aloft on the plant on excellent stems for cutting.
The flower buds are a dark-rose, almost burgundy color. As the flowers open, the soft, true pink flower color is revealed. For cut flowers, pick them just as the flowers are beginning to open and they’ll last in the vase for a long time. The flowers have a wonderful Lilac fragrance but are not overpowering.
Landscapers love the versatility of this lovely, coarse-textured, deciduous shrub. It makes an elegant oval specimen for a sunny location. Bright green foliage turns a buttery yellow in the fall before dropping.
Originating from Canada, tough James MacFarlane is very cold-hardy all the way down to USDA growing zone 2 through 7. This wonderful Lilac blooms about two weeks after Common Purple Lilacs.
It will not produce suckering growth from the base as the Common Lilacs do. Rather, it remains a strongly oval shrub that stays neat and narrow at the base. Plant smaller ornamental shrubs in front without worrying about them being overrun.
Planting and Application:
Not suckering like some Lilacs may, for that reason, James MacFarlane is a perfect backdrop to a perennial or mixed shrub border or a stand-alone specimen in the middle of your front yard berm! Use this Lilac as a perfect focal point plant or as an anchor at the corner of your home or deck. It instantly softens hard angles and provides a delicious spring fragrance!
This Canadian Hybrid Lilac makes the perfect untrimmed hedge. It grows to just the right height to block messy neighbors or unsightly views from your home. You’ll love these as a friendly fence along your property line, and we’re sure your neighbors will agree. There is something wonderful about how the wind blows through big, mature Lilacs standing all in a row.
James MacFarlane makes the perfect backdrop for your mixed shrub border with nice green foliage and masses of huge branched flower trusses that are borne on the branch tips. Face their sunny side with layers of smaller, more colorful shrubs and perennials to create a wonderful focal point. Add privacy to the back of your patio seating. Or, try them in a side yard to shield the view from a window.
You can even use the super cold hardy James MacFarlane Lilac in a row along the driveway to block blowing snow. Try them on the edge of prairie plantings for the same reason. No worries about winter damage!
These carefree plants are often used in gorgeous mass plantings for commercial landscapes. To create a tight hedge, plant them 3 feet apart on center. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next. Increase the spacing to 5 feet apart, if you prefer a looser look and you aren’t in a hurry for screening. Use multiple zig-zagging rows to create a mass planting and cover a wide area with this beautiful, durable plant. Apply mulch between the plants and keep it weeded while you wait for them to grow together.
Butterflies adore this pretty shrub! Give one or more as a housewarming gift, with a Butterfly Identification book and a durable notebook and pen set. Hang some bird feeders and hummingbird feeders since all will be dropping by for a visit!
- Large Clusters of Pink Blooms & Amazing Scent
- Blooms Later Than Common Purple Lilac
- Attracts Butterflies & Hummingbirds
- Non-Suckering Lilac Stays Elegant & Refined
- Magnificent Flowering Privacy Screens, Accents & Fragrant Specimens
Tips for Care:
James MacFarlane is going to love any wide-open, sunny areas and requires little care beyond regular watering. Plant Lilacs in full sun, and it’s best to give them well-drained soil. For the best results, Lilacs should be grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
James MacFarlane can tolerate very brief periods of damp soil that would hurt other Lilac varieties. However, well-drained soil is always best. However, it’s best to keep your plants stress-free by applying an even amount of moisture on a regular basis. Add a nice, thick layer of wood chip mulch to keep the root system cool and moist. Start this right away as your new plant is getting established in your native soil.
If you need to prune any crossing branches, prune immediately after the flowers start to fade. Don’t wait any longer, or you’ll risk removing the blooms for next spring. James MacFarlane will produce flowers on last year’s wood, so properly timed pruning is important.
A unique Lilac that will not sucker in your garden bed. They’ll stay just where you plant them. James MacFarlane also does not get mildew on its elliptical green leaves. Deer populations will choose other Lilacs before they go for Preston varieties. In heavy deer pressure, they’ll eat just about anything. If you live with deer in your area, apply repellent spray on planting day and reapply per directions. Fence young plants as a precaution.
Full Sun
Well-Drained Moderately Moist Soil of Almost Any Kind
Prune Immediately After Flowering
Low Maintenance Shrub
Extremely Cold Hardy
Deer & Mildew Resistant
Plant in your garden and enjoy the sight and smell of the gorgeous blooms for years to come.
