Syringa meyeri Flowerfesta® Purple (‘Anny289’PBR)

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.
• Wildlife: Deer-resistant due to its aromatic leaves and dense structure.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Late spring through fall (May to September), with repeat blooms.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7

Accent Plant: Its compact size, rich purple blooms, and strong fragrance make it a standout feature in any garden.

Foundation Planting: Perfect for near entrances or windows where its scent and color can be enjoyed up close.

Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds vibrant spring-to-summer color and texture in layered plantings.

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

Cottage Gardens: Complements informal, romantic garden styles with lush blooms.

Small-Space Gardens: Compact growth makes it well-suited to patios, balconies, and urban yards.

Container Gardening: Grows well in large pots with good drainage and regular care.

Reblooming Feature: Use as a focal point that provides multiple bloom flushes through the growing season.

• Color: Glossy, medium to dark green leaves that contrast beautifully with the vibrant flowers.
• Shape: Small, oval-shaped leaves with a smooth texture and slightly pointed tips.
• Size: Leaves grow 1-2 inches long, forming a dense, bushy appearance.

• Color: Rich, deep purple flower clusters.
• Bloom Time: Blooms heavily in late spring with a second bloom period in mid-summer, continuing intermittently into early fall.
• Size of Blooms: Dense flower panicles grow about 4-6 inches long, creating showy clusters that are highly fragrant.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the shrub time to establish before extreme summer heat or winter cold.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Adaptable to various soil types but performs best in fertile, loamy soils.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for mature growth and airflow.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the crown is just above soil level.

• Pruning Needs: Prune immediately after the first bloom in late spring to encourage repeat blooming and maintain the plant's shape.
• Winter Care: Flowerfesta® Purple is cold-hardy and does not require special winter care in most zones. Apply mulch around the base of the plant in colder regions to protect the roots.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture, especially during hot periods.
• Drought Tolerance: While it is moderately drought-tolerant, regular watering during dry periods ensures better flowering.

Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day) for the best bloom production and overall plant health. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers

• When to Harvest: Harvest flowers when they are fully open for use in fresh bouquets or floral arrangements.
• How to Harvest: Use sharp pruning shears to cut stems just above a set of leaves, ensuring you leave enough foliage to support continued growth and reblooming.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. A second light application after the first bloom can support repeat blooming.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to enhance soil nutrients.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds.
• Pests: Generally pest-free, though occasional aphids or scale insects may appear. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
• Disease: Resistant to common lilac diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation to further prevent fungal issues.

Self-pollinating, but bees and butterflies play a vital role in boosting flower production. Its fragrant blooms are a magnet for pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems.

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' – vertical purple spikes add form contrast and attract pollinators.

Heuchera 'Amber Waves' or 'Obsidian' – colorful foliage complements lilac’s vibrant flowers.

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – low-growing with soft blue flowers that blend beautifully with lilac tones.

Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' – fine-textured yellow flowers offer bright contrast.

Roses (compact or shrub types) – extend flowering time and enrich the garden with varied shapes and fragrance.

Paeonia (Peonies) – bloom in sync and pair well visually and aromatically.

Lavandula angustifolia – adds calming fragrance and texture while enhancing a pollinator-friendly setting.

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – provides evergreen structure and contrast to the seasonal color of lilac.