Syringa josikae

This Lilac of Hungary, known as Syringa josikaea in Latin, is a rarely cultivated botanical species compared to the common lilac, possibly due to its soil requirements. However, this large and beautiful bush is not lacking in charm when it adorns itself in spring with large ramified clusters of slightly pendulous flowers, delicately violet-pink in colour and fragrant. It is a collector's lilac, attractive for flowering in a hedge in non-calcareous soils that remain cool in summer. 

The Syringa josikaea belongs to the olive family, like all lilacs. It is native to central and eastern Europe and endemic to Ukraine and Romania, where it is becoming rare. In nature, it is always found near watercourses, on humus-rich soils that are always slightly damp. It is a particularly frost-resistant species that thrives in montane or temperate climates. Its shape forms a large bush, almost as wide as it is tall, well-branched and supported by stiff stems. Ultimately, it can reach a height of between 3 and 4 m (10 and 13ft) and a similar width, depending on the growing conditions. This lilac flowers abundantly in May-June, a few days after the common lilacs, at the ends of the branches. Its inflorescences are ramified, pyramidal thyrses, slightly inclined and highly fragrant, composed of small tubular flowers, violet-pink in colour, with the buds being a deeper pink. This flowering attracts many butterflies and pollinating insects. Its deciduous foliage consists of elliptical and pointed leaves measuring 6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in) in length, with prominent veins. They are green on the upper side and slightly velvety and more grey on the undersides. Before falling, the foliage turns yellow in autumn. 

Perfume, flowering, childhood memories or even symbol of a significant event, everyone has a good reason to love lilacs, as endearing as they are unpretentious. The Lilac of Hungary is no exception to the rule: very hardy, generous, fragrant, vigorous, and rare; it embodies the charm and simplicity inherent in old gardens. It is a major component in creating a scented garden in non-chalky soil. Its flowering will accompany that of large rhododendrons or hydrangeas. It can be planted in groups, as a standalone specimen, or in a free hedge mixed with other varieties (flowering apple trees, Japanese cherry trees, flowering peach trees, etc.). Its highly fragrant clusters are appreciated in spring bouquets, accompanied by early garden irises, early peonies, bellflowers, and florist's ranunculus.