Syringa patula Violet Uprising - Korean Lilac

The Chinese Lilac or Syringa patula Violet Uprising™ is a variety characterized by a compact, upright habit and abundant flowering. This variety forms a modest-sized bush, covered in early summer with large panicles of fluffy lavender violet flowers, quite light to very light in colour, which can measure 35 cm long and 18 cm wide, with an intoxicating fragrance. In autumn, the foliage turns shades of red to purple as temperatures cool. This low-maintenance lilac simply requires annual pruning just after flowering. Plant it along a sunny garden path or on a terrace.

The 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 wet mountain areas, at high altitudes and in vast spaces. Violet Uprising matures into a compact, sturdy bush about 1.20 to 1.50 m in height and spread. Its branches, nearly horizontal, bear deciduous, glossy leaves of a light green colour. In late spring, large panicles of pale lilac violet flowers bloom. The flowers are smaller and finer than those on traditional Lilacs, but more numerous and just as fragrant. It's almost impossible to resist the urge to make a beautiful fragrant bouquet for the home.

The Syringa patula Violet Uprising is a very easy-to-grow bush. It thrives in the sun, in cool, light soils, but also tolerates partial shade and heavy, rich clay soils. Its compact habit makes it interesting in small gardens and for anyone who has experienced a common lilac with exuberant growth that's a bit too cumbersome. 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 combination with other species like flowering crabapples, Japanese cherries, Chinese almonds, Japanese quinces or deutzias. Its clusters of fragrant flowers are ideal for creating beautiful bouquets.