Syringa afghanica - Afghan Lilac

Syringa afghanica, Afghan Lilac, is an adorable small lilac that blooms on the rocky and limestone high plateaus of Afghanistan. It is a small bush that is characterised by finely cut foliage, with a light appearance, as well as abundant, early and fragrant spring flowering. These characteristics, combined with a flexible habit, give it a graceful and natural look, quite different from the common lilac. It is also a plant with a robust temperament, adapted to harsh conditions. A botanical lilac to discover!

Syringa afghanica is considered a synonym of Syringa persica. It is very close to botanical and hybrid species such as Syringa protolaciniata, S. laciniata, Syringa pteridifolia, S. filicifolia, S. persica var. pinnata, Syringa x persica 'Laciniata'. Lilacs belong to the olive family.

This bush has a bushy, flexible, spreading habit, supported by slender, slightly trailing branches. Its growth is rather slow, reaching about 1.50m in height and 1m in width at maturity. Its young branches are reddish-brown. This lilac has deciduous, bright green foliage. The leaves are pinnate, composed of 3 to 9 thin, elliptical leaflets. Flowering usually starts at the end of April, earlier or later depending on the climate. The inflorescences are pyramid-shaped thyrses, light and airy, pleasantly fragrant, about 7-8 cm long. They are composed of small, single, delicate, mauve flowerswith a pinkish hue, marked with dark violet in the throat. These inflorescences appear at the ends of the previous year's shoots. Their fragrance evoking violets is more complex and refined than that of our common lilac Syringa vulgaris.

Fragrance, flowering, childhood memories or even a symbol of a significant event, everyone has a good reason to love lilacs, as endearing as they are unpretentious. The Afghan Lilac finds a place in gardens of all sizes, or even on a terrace or balcony, planted in a large pot. Perfectly hardy, easy to grow in ordinary, well-drained soil, in cold or dry regions, not demanding, it adapts to all climates. It is a major element for creating a scented garden, its flowering preceding that of common lilacs which may overshadow its more delicate blooms. It can also be planted in large borders, in groups, as a standalone specimen or as a small informal hedge mixed with other species (Mock Oranges, flowering currants, forsythias, Japanese quinces, shrub roses, Deutzias...). Its delightfully fragrant clusters are appreciated in spring bouquets, alongside the first garden irises, early peonies, tulips, bellflowers, and florist's ranunculus.