Syringa vulgaris 'Sweetheart'
Common Name(s):
Sweetheart lilac
Common lilac
Synonym:
French lilac
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
May
to:
Sep
Flower tubular bi-colored with pink centers to white margins
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Oleaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Dark Green
Leaves cordate 1-3" long by 1-3" wide
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves become gold/yellow
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Hybrid whose parentage comes from Europe
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
10-12'
Spread:
10-12'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Hybrid that was a cross between two parents that lived in rocky hillsides and shrubby areas
Soil:
Humusy well-drained soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Use a balanced 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 in early spring or even better top dress with compost in the fall
Mulch:
Apply 2-3" of organic mulch around base but not touching trunk to retain moisture
Plant in full sun, water if drought conditions present, clear fallen leaves to lessen chance of disease, avoid over fertilization especially with nitrogen
Long Term:
Winter:
None if properly cared for in fall, protect from heavy snow
Spring:
Assure it is in full sun, apply a balanced fertilizer before it greens up, prune right after flowering
Summer:
Water if dry, prune early summer if not done in spring, deadhead spent blooms and remove old dead wood and suckers
Fall:
Clear fallen leaves, deep water, apply 3-4" mulch
General Care Comments:
Plant needs full sun, , well-drained soil, fertilizer in early spring, pruning immediately after flowering
Common Problems
Poor site selection without enough sun means less flowering
Diseases:
Powdery mildew, bacterial blight, leaf spots, Verticillium wilt, root rot
Insects:
Lilac borers, oystershell scale, aphids, thrips, caterpillars
Environmental Problems:
May be susceptible to diseases if not properly planted in full sun in well-drained soil and with good air circulation
Pests:
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