Miss Kim Manchurian Lilac — Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim'

Miss Kim Manchurian Lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim') brings fragrant spring flower clusters and burgundy fall foliage to the garden. Its starry blooms combine white faces with lavender to icy-blue bases above dark green leaves.

This upright deciduous shrub adds seasonal color to borders, hedges and foundation plantings. Choose a sunny spot with rich, moist, well-drained neutral soil for the best flower display.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• Listed height: 4–9 feet
• Listed spread: 5–7 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 6 feet apart
• USDA hardiness zones: 3–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best flowering in full sun
• Soil: Rich, moist, neutral and well-drained
• Flowers: Fragrant white and lavender to icy-blue clusters
• Listed bloom season: Mid-spring
• Fall foliage: Burgundy

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance shrub benefits from pruning immediately after spring flowering when shaping is needed. Remove spent flowers before seed set to encourage next year's bloom. Late spring frost can damage flower buds and young leaves.

Use as an accent, in groups, along borders, at woodland edges, in foundation plantings or hedges, or in suitably sized containers. Pair with giant hyssop, New Jersey tea or Joe-Pye weed where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credit: Photo by David J. Stang, Syringa patula Miss Kim 3zz, CC BY-SA 4.0.