Syringa patula Dream Cloud™ ('KLMone')

• Pollinators: The fragrant, nectar-rich flowers of Dream Cloud™ attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The early bloom period of lilacs makes them an excellent food source for pollinators emerging in spring.
  
• Birds: After flowering, Dream Cloud™ may produce small seeds that provide food for birds in the fall. The dense foliage also offers shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds.
  
  

• Spring to Summer: Dream Cloud™ begins blooming in late spring, typically around May or June, with abundant clusters of fragrant, lavender-pink flowers. The flowers continue to bloom into early summer, adding soft, sweet fragrance to your garden. The foliage remains green throughout the growing season, providing an elegant backdrop to the flowers.
  
• Fall: In the fall, the foliage turns yellow before falling, offering a final burst of color before the plant enters dormancy.
  
• Winter: During the winter months, Dream Cloud™ enters dormancy and sheds its leaves. The plant maintains a neat, compact form that adds structure to the winter garden, even without its leaves.
  
  

• Leaves: Dream Cloud™ has dark green, oval-shaped leaves with a smooth texture. The leaves are arranged opposite one another on the stems, creating a dense, rounded form that adds fullness to the plant. As the season progresses, the leaves remain lush and healthy, offering a backdrop to the colorful flowers.
  
• Fall Color: In the fall, the foliage turns a soft yellow before dropping, adding a subtle touch of color to the landscape before winter.
  
  

Texture: The leaves are smooth and leathery, adding texture to the plant's overall appearance.

• Flower Description: Dream Cloud™ produces large, showy panicles of small, delicate, pale lavender-pink flowers. The flowers bloom in clusters, creating a soft, cloud-like appearance that adds texture and color to your garden. Their strong, sweet fragrance is a hallmark of lilacs, making Dream Cloud™ a sensory delight in spring.
  
  Flower Longevity: The flowers remain for several weeks, with new clusters continually emerging throughout the blooming period. After blooming, the flowers fade and can be deadheaded to encourage further flowering.

• Best Time to Plant: The ideal planting time for Dream Cloud™ is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. Planting during these times allows the plant to establish its root system before the extreme weather of summer or winter.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Lilacs prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil, so ensure the soil is fertile and not too compact. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 4–5 feet apart to accommodate their mature size and allow for good air circulation.

• Pruning Time: Prune Dream Cloud™ in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems, and trim back old wood that is not producing new growth. Deadheading the spent flowers after blooming will also encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
  
• Pruning Tips: To maintain a compact shape and promote fresh blooms, prune lightly after the main bloom cycle. Avoid heavy pruning, as lilacs bloom on old wood, and excessive pruning may reduce flower production.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Regular pruning of spent flowers and any overgrown stems will help maintain the plant’s overall shape and health.

• Watering: Dream Cloud™ requires moderate watering. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. It thrives in moist but well-drained soil. Be cautious not to overwater, as lilacs do not tolerate standing water.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Dream Cloud™ is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture during the growing season, especially when blooming.
  
• Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
  
  

• Dream Cloud™ thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal flowering and healthy growth, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from heat stress while still allowing it to flower.
  
  

• Harvesting: Lilacs can be harvested for use in floral arrangements or bouquets. Cut branches with blooms when the flowers are fully open. These branches will last for several days in water, offering beauty and fragrance in your home.
  
• Seed Pods: After flowering, the plant may produce small, ornamental seed pods that can be left for birds to enjoy in the fall or harvested for propagation.
  
  

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before the plant begins its new growth cycle. This will support strong growth and abundant flowers. For lilacs grown in containers, consider using a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  
• Fertilizer Tip: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will support healthy blooms.
  
  

Dream Cloud™ produces both male and female flowers and is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another lilac plant to produce flowers. However, planting it near other lilacs or pollinator-friendly plants can improve overall pollination and lead to more prolific blooms.

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Echinacea, Daylilies, or Coreopsis for added texture and color contrast.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other flowering shrubs like Weigela, Hydrangea, or Viburnum for a layered, multi-textured garden.
  
• Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers such as Ajuga or Liriope will provide contrast beneath the lilac and enhance its appearance.