Late Lilac (Syringa villosa) is also known as “Late Lilac” because it blossoms later in the season than the common lilac. It’s a shrub that can grow up to 4 m tall and has flowers that can be purple, red, white, or pink. Late Lilac is indigenous to Korea, eastern Russia, and northern China.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Syringa villosa, the villous lilac, is a shrub native to Korea, the southern part of the Russian Far East (Primorye) and northern China. There are two subspecies currently recognized (April 2014); these are regarded as separate species in Flora of China. Combining the ranges for the two taxa yields a range within China of Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.
Syringa villosa is a shrub up to 4 m tall, with red, white, pink or purple flowers.The flowers are long and highly fragrant, and flower in early summer.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Late Lilac likes sufficient sunlight, and 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day will ensure vigorous growth and blooms. Without sufficient sunlight, the growth is slow and barely blooms, or not at all.
Temperature
Plants of genus Syringa are mainly distributed in the subtropical and temperate zone, where the environment is warmer, and also grows at high elevation. Some varieties can tolerate high temperatures, but the ornamental effect is decreased. Different species and varieties have different bloom times, extending from mid-spring to early summer. It does not have strict water requirements and is resistant to drought.
Watering
Originating from regions with temperate climates, late Lilac has adapted to moderate moisture conditions and can tolerate brief periods of drought. This species thrives best when the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, reflecting its preference for a balance between hydration and drainage. Regular watering every week will suffice to meet its needs. As an outdoor plant often found in garden settings, late Lilac benefits greatly from mulching which helps retain soil moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering, especially during its active growing season.
Soil
Late Lilac can endure poor soil and adapts to various soil types, but it is sensitive to acidic soil. It prefers well-drained, loose, fertile soil which is neutral to alkaline (pH close to or higher than 7). It should not be planted in low-lying areas, because long-term accumulated water can cause poor growth and even death. If the soil in the garden is not fertile enough, add compost, bone fertilizer or other fertilizers.
Fertilizing
To invigorate late Lilac’s growth and bloom, apply balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 in early spring, then switch to high nitrogen formula pre-summer to bolster foliage. Biannual fertilization suffices; too much weakens late Lilac. Moderation is key—usually a tablespoon per square foot. Seasonal adjustments ensure optimal nutrient uptake, enhancing vigor and flowering. Caution: Over Fertilizing risks root burn. Water late Lilac post-application for nutrient dispersion. Novices should follow product instructions, while pros might adjust per plant response.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for late Lilac, because it promotes blooming, ensures air circulation, and prevents problems such as powdery mildew. Prune the plant every year to keep it in its shrub form. If it is not pruned, it will grow to 4.5 to 6 m, and the blooms will gather at the plant top. Because very young and old branches do not bloom well, regular pruning is required to keep it blooming beautifully every year.
Generally, branches with a diameter of 5 cm or more should be pruned off. Prune less than 1/3 of all branches and keep 8-12 branches of different ages with a diameter of 2.5 to 5 cm. Finally, maintain the plant at 2.5 m tall or less.
Old, dead, and diseased branches, and most seedlings growing from the roots, can be cut from the base after blooming at the end of winter or late spring. The old branches are usually coarse, with weak blooming ability. Dead and diseased branches will not grow new buds or flowers in spring. Keep 2-3 strong seedlings as new branches. Any branches that disturb the tree shape or are twisted can be pruned at the same time.
If you do not need to harvest the seeds of the late Lilac, cut blooms off when they begin to fade and droop. This prevents nutrient use for fruit development, and next year’s flower buds will be stronger. When the center of the tree is overcrowded, choose the thickest stem and cut it off at the base to improve sunlight and ventilation inside the shrub.
If your late Lilac is old, overgrown, or blooming poorly, the whole plant can be pruned to 15 to 20 cm tall. It will not bloom for three years, but the number of flowers will increase significantly.
Propagation
Late Lilac propagates best during Autumn and Winter, primarily through cutting and layering methods. Moderate propagation difficulty can be expected, while successful signs include new growth and root formation. Adequate moisture and warmth are crucial for successful propagation.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant late Lilac is from late spring (S2) to mid-fall (S4), as it can take advantage of optimal weather conditions for root development. Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. Pro-tip: Hydrate late Lilac thoroughly before and after transplanting for best results.
Repotting
Repot late Lilac in early spring before new growth, as its sizable bush form can outgrow containers within 2-3 years. Choose a large pot to accommodate its extensive root system. Post-repotting, place late Lilac in well-lit conditions, avoiding full sun. Regular watering after repotting supports recovery, but let the soil dry slightly between sessions, as late Lilac dislikes waterlogged roots.
III. Uses and Benefits
With its attractive and fragrant flower clusters, late Lilac works great as a specimen shrub or in groups within a landscape. Its foliage is lush enough to make it suitable for creating flowering shrub borders and screens, especially along property lines. It can also be utilized in back positions in mixed borders. Late Lilac fits best in informal gardens, cottage gardens, and city gardens.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Blooms can be used as excellent fragrant cut flowers with a vase life of 3-5 days. Cut off the stalks and insert them into the vase when about 1/3-1/2 of the flower buds bloom. Cut at the bases of the branches with sharp scissors, not broken by hand. Late Lilac can produce many flowers each spring. However, don’t cut too many stalks from a sapling blooming for the first time; otherwise, it will impact the growth of the sapling.
You can also dry late Lilac flowers. Tie the fresh stalks into a bunch with a rope, and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place for 1-3 weeks. After the flowers are completely dry, take them off gently and appreciate them as dried flowers.
