Syringa patula Dream Cloud - Korean Lilac

Chinese Lilac or Syringa patula Dream Cloud™, known by its cultivar name 'KLMone' is a variety with a spectacular flowering, so abundant that it almost entirely covers the foliage. This variety forms a modest-sized bush, covered in early summer with large panicles of fluffy lavender-pink flowers, which can measure 35 cm long and 25 cm wide, with an intoxicating fragrance. In autumn, the foliage turns red to purple as temperatures cool down. More resistant to powdery mildew than other lilacs, it simply requires an annual pruning just after flowering. Plant it along a sunny garden path or on a terrace.

Syringa patula belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is endemic to Korea and northeastern China unlike the common Lilac native to Europe. This new species has been found in humid mountain areas, at high altitudes and in vast spaces. Dream Cloud forms at maturity a compact and bushy bush of about 1.20 to 1.50 m in height and spread. Its almost horizontal branches bear deciduous, glossy, light green leaves. In late spring, large panicles of pale lilac pink flowers bloom. The flowers are smaller and finer than on traditional Lilacs, but more numerous and equally fragrant. It's almost impossible to resist the temptation to make a beautiful fragrant bouquet for the home.

Syringa patula Dream Cloud is a very easy to grow bush. It thrives in the sun, in moist and light soils, but also tolerates partial shade and heavy, rich clay soils. Its compact habit makes it interesting in small gardens and for those who have experienced a common lilac with exuberant growth and a bit too bulky. It finds a place in gardens of all sizes near the house to enjoy its fragrance or in groups and can also bloom on terraces, with regular watering. It can also be planted in a small informal hedge, in association with other species like flowering crabapples, Japanese cherries, Chinese almonds, Japanese quinces or deutzias. Its fragrant clusters of flowers are ideal for creating beautiful bouquets.