Syringa vulgaris 'Agincourt Beauty'

• Wildlife: Attracts beneficial wildlife to your garden.
• Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the fragrant flowers.
• Deer & Rabbit Resistance: Resistant to deer and rabbits due to tough, woody stems and fragrant leaves.

• Seasonality: Deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter and regrowing in spring.
• Blooming Season: Blooms in mid to late spring (April to May), producing large flower clusters that last for several weeks.
• Winter Interest: Loses its leaves in winter but retains its woody structure, providing subtle texture to the winter landscape.

– Flowering hedge or privacy screen

– Specimen shrub in cottage or fragrance gardens

– Pollinator-friendly and wildlife gardens

– Foundation plantings and mixed shrub borders

• Heart-shaped, medium to dark green leaves.
• Grows up to 5 inches long, providing a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
• Leaves may turn yellow in fall before dropping, adding a brief period of autumn color.

• Produces large, dense clusters (panicles) of single, deep violet blooms.
• Richly fragrant, filling the garden with a sweet, classic lilac scent.
• Blooms in late spring and are long-lasting, perfect for cutting and indoor arrangements.

• Plant in early spring or fall to allow root establishment.
• Choose well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil but is adaptable if drainage is good.
• Space plants 6 to 10 feet apart for mature growth and air circulation.

• Prune immediately after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant.
• Avoid late summer or fall pruning to prevent removing next year’s flower buds.
• Light pruning improves air circulation and encourages vigorous growth.

Maintenance:

• Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots.
• Mulch helps conserve water during dry periods.

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
• Once established, requires occasional watering during dry spells.
• Maintain evenly moist but well-drained soil.

• Full sun is essential for optimal flowering (6+ hours daily).
• In hotter climates, afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch.

– Flowers can be harvested for cut arrangements when about two-thirds of the florets are open

– Cut in the morning, immediately place in water, and crush or split the stem base for better water uptake

– Short vase life (3–5 days) unless well-conditioned

– For drying, harvest at peak bloom and hang upside-down in a dark, dry space, though lilacs are not ideal for dried flowers

– Spent blooms can be deadheaded to encourage better plant appearance but are not necessary for rebloom (as lilacs bloom on old wood)

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• Compost or well-rotted manure can enrich the soil.

Pests & Diseases:

• Resistant to most pests and diseases.
• May occasionally experience powdery mildew or leaf spot in humid conditions.
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risks.

Cold & Heat Tolerance:

• Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, thriving in cold climates.
• In warmer regions, provide morning sun and afternoon shade to avoid heat stress.

Drought Tolerance:

• Moderately drought-tolerant once established.
• Benefits from consistent moisture during blooming periods.

• Pollinated by bees and other insects.
• Fragrant flowers attract pollinators, supporting a healthy ecosystem.

– Peonies (Paeonia) – bloom around the same time and share classic cottage-garden charm

– Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) – provides vertical structure and late-spring color

– Salvia nemorosa – contrasts well with lilac’s larger flower clusters

– Geranium (Cranesbill) – low-growing filler beneath lilac’s canopy

– Spiraea japonica – complements with foliage texture and blooms after lilac fades

– Allium – globe-shaped flowers add a modern contrast

– Philadelphus (Mock Orange) – staggered flowering time for extended fragrance season

– Roses (especially shrub or old-fashioned types) – extend blooming season and create a romantic combination

– Ornamental grasses (e.g., Calamagrostis, Festuca) – add soft movement and contrast to lilac's bold structure