Syringa persica var. laciniata - Lilac

Syringa x persica 'Laciniata' is also known as the Parsley-leaved Lilac due to its uniquely cut foliage with narrow lobes. This characteristic, combined with its spreading, flexible, and airy habit, gives it a graceful and natural appearance, quite different from that of the common lilac. It is also distinguished by its lighter, earlier, and longer-lasting mauve-blue flowering. A charming plant with a delicate fragrance. This compact Persian lilac undoubtedly deserves to be planted more often in gardens, even when space is limited. 

Syringa x persica 'Laciniata' is also known as Syringa pteridifolia, S. filicifolia, and S. persica var. pinnata. This bush is probably the result of natural cross-breeding between Syringa protolaciniata and S. laciniata. Recent studies on its genome suggest that it should be considered as a separate species. Its origins are in northwest China (Gansu) and Afghanistan. This lilac was introduced to Europe (Italy) via Turkey in the 17th century. Lilacs belong to the Oleaceae family.

This slightly suckering lilac has a bushy and rounded habit, slightly loose, and wider than it is tall. It is supported by slender and slightly trailing branches. Its growth is rather slow, reaching about 1.5m (5ft) in height and 2m (7ft) in width at maturity. Its branches bear deciduous foliage, with bright green lanceolate to elliptical leaves. They are pinnatifid, meaning they are divided into 5 to 7 long and narrow lobes with a firm texture. Flowering generally begins in late April, earlier or later depending on the climate, and sometimes continues until June. The inflorescences are lateral thyrses, pyramid-shaped, light, airy, and pleasantly fragrant, measuring 7 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in length. They consist of small, single, delicate flowers in pale violet with a blueish tint, marked with a darker violet throat. These inflorescences appear at the tips of the previous year's growth. Their fragrance is very pleasant, more complex and refined than that of our common lilac, Syringa vulgaris.

Everyone has a good reason to love lilacs, as endearing as they are unpretentious. Syringa x persica 'Laciniata' suits gardens of all sizes. It can even be planted in a large container on a terrace or balcony. Perfectly hardy, undemanding, and easy to grow in ordinary but well-drained soil, in cold or dry regions, it adapts to all climates. It is perfect for creating a scented garden, with 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 apple trees, coronillas, Chinese almond trees, forsythias, Japanese quinces, Exochorda, Deutzias). Its deliciously fragrant clusters are beautiful in spring bouquets, alongside early garden irises, early peonies, tulips, bellflowers, and florists' ranunculus.