Syringa microphylla Superba - Lilac

The Syringa microphylla 'Superba' is an excellent variety of Lilac with small leaves, more floriferous than the wild species commonly known as the Chinese Lilac. It is a modest-sized bush, not demanding, with a very natural bushy habit, which blooms abundantly in early spring and again more discreetly in early autumn. Its abundant, highly scented flower clusters are composed of tiny flowers that are deep pink on the outside and pale pink on the inside. This plant, which has many advantages, has been rewarded in England for its ornamental qualities and ease of cultivation.

The Syringa microphylla 'Superba' is a French horticultural creation by Léon Chenault, dating back to 1934. It comes from the Chinese Lilac, native to central China and Korea. In the wild, this bush grows along watercourses and in woods, often on limestone soil, up to an altitude of 3300 m (10826 ft 10 in). This lilac likes warmth, tolerates summer drought, as well as cold winters.

The Chinese Lilac 'Superba' has a rounded, dense habit with thin and hairy branches. Its growth is quite slow and it generally does not exceed 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in all directions. It blooms generously in April, and then more sporadically until autumn with a break during hot weather. The modest-sized pyramidal flower clusters are born on the previous year's wood. They consist of tiny tubular flowers in two shades of pink, spreading into 4 lobes. This fragrant flowering is also nectar-rich and honey-producing. The deciduous foliage is composed of much smaller leaves than those of the common lilac, they are hairy and orbicular in shape, with a long acuminate tip. They are fairly light green and turn yellow in autumn before falling.

The Syringa microphylla 'Superba' will satisfy owners of small gardens and gardeners without a garden who can adopt it in a large pot. It will also delight gardeners in the South, as the Chinese lilac tolerates long, hot and dry summers better than its exuberant big cousins, the common lilacs. Modest in appearance outside of flowering, this plant will benefit from being planted in a flowering hedge or in a bed with staggered flowering shrubs (mock oranges, Indian lilacs, roses, ceanothus, shrubby honeysuckles, etc.). The flowering of early irises and the first shrubby peonies beautifully accompany the flowering of this lilac. Its flowers are very suitable for creating romantic bouquets. Plant it near a path or terrace to fully enjoy its fragrance in spring.