Royal Purple Lilac

Grown for its stunningly beautiful and fragrant flowers, Royal Purple Lilac is a firm favorite. Syringa X hyacinthiflora Royal Purple, as it is botanically named, is a large deciduous shrub that can grow to around 12 to 15 feet high. Producing large panicles of heavenly scented, double flowers in May, Royal Purple Lilac just has to be smelled to be believed. As a cold hardy shrub with good mildew resistance, this lilac grows pretty much trouble-free. Over time, the Royal Purple Lilac develops a multi-stemmed upright and spreading habit of bright green foliage. Being fairly deer resistant, it is a great choice for rural landscapes that can accommodate its eventual size. Often grown as a specimen shrub at the back of a border, Royal Purple Lilac is also suitable for providing an informal screen or hedge. Royal Purple Lilac Care Although the Royal Purple Lilac can tolerate some light shade, it blooms best when it is grown in full sun. It is happiest when planted in well-drained soil that is neutral or alkaline. Being a hardy shrub, this lilac is suitable for growing in zones 3 to 8. In general, lilacs do not need a lot of nutrients or fertilizer. However, to encourage its show-stopping flowers, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring. The Royal Purple Lilac requires minimal pruning and is often just pruned for shape and size as required. To avoid removing the following seasons flowers, any pruning is best performed immediately after the flowers have faded. However, any dead or diseased branches can be removed at any time of the year. Royal Purple Lilac Spacing When mature, the Royal Purple Lilac can reach a size of 12 to 15 feet tall by 8 to 12 feet wide. In order to provide good air circulation, a spacing of 8 to 10 feet between plants is advisable.