Syringa patula 'Miss Kim' - Miss Kim Lilac

'Miss Kim' lilacs are magnets for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, drawn to the sweet fragrance and nectar-filled blooms. The dense foliage also provides cover for small birds and insects.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; loses its leaves in winter and leafs out again in spring.
• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May-June)
• Fall Color: The foliage turns a striking reddish-purple in the fall.

Accent Plant: Its compact form and fragrant lavender blooms make it a standout focal point in spring gardens.

Foundation Planting: Ideal for planting near windows, patios, or entryways where its scent and fall color can be appreciated.

Mixed Shrub Borders: Combines well with other flowering and evergreen shrubs for year-round interest.

Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.

Small-Space and Urban Gardens: Its tidy, upright habit makes it suitable for tighter landscapes.

Cottage Gardens: Fits beautifully in informal, romantic garden styles.

Fall-Interest Gardens: Offers reddish-purple fall foliage for added seasonal appeal.

Mass Planting: Creates a fragrant and colorful hedge or backdrop when used in groupings.

The leaves are dark green, elliptical, and glossy, growing 2-5 inches long. In autumn, the foliage turns a beautiful reddish-purple, providing seasonal interest even after the flowering period has ended.

'Miss Kim' produces abundant clusters of small, lavender-blue flowers that cover the shrub in late spring. The flowers are highly fragrant, adding a delightful scent to the garden. The blooms gradually fade to a soft pink as they mature, extending the shrub's visual appeal.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in slightly alkaline soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow room for growth and proper air circulation.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the shrub in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is recommended immediately after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Cut back spent blooms to prevent seed formation and to direct the plant’s energy into growth. Thinning older branches can help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep, healthy roots. Once established, 'Miss Kim' is fairly drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water deeply once or twice a week to keep the soil evenly moist.

Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and abundant flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun is essential for the best blooms and foliage color.

Lilac flowers can be harvested in spring to create fragrant bouquets. Cut the flower clusters early in the morning and place them in water immediately for the best vase life. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. A second application after flowering can help maintain healthy growth through the summer.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: 'Miss Kim' is generally resistant to powdery mildew and other common lilac diseases. However, maintaining good air circulation and proper spacing can further reduce the risk of fungal issues.
• Winter Care: No special winter protection is needed, as this variety is highly cold-hardy and can withstand harsh winters in northern climates.

Pollination Type: Miss Kim is self-fertile (self-pollinating) and does not require another lilac to produce viable seeds.

Pollinators: While it can self-pollinate, it is also pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects, which enhance seed set and biodiversity.

Fruit: After blooming, it may develop small, dry seed capsules, though these are not ornamental and can be pruned off if not desired.

Salvia nemorosa – upright purple spikes echo lilac bloom tones and support pollinators.

Peonies (Paeonia spp.) – bloom around the same time and provide lush, romantic texture.

Hosta varieties – bold foliage adds contrast in partially shaded settings.

Heuchera 'Berry Smoothie' or 'Caramel' – colorful foliage enhances seasonal transitions.

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – soft texture and lavender blooms complement the lilac’s scent and form.

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – provides evergreen structure and formality beneath or around lilacs.

Spiraea 'Goldflame' or 'Magic Carpet' – bright foliage provides foliage contrast and continuous bloom.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) – extend the garden's bloom season with minimal maintenance.