Syringa vulgaris 'Fiala Remembrance'

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Wildlife: Deer-resistant due to its thick, aromatic foliage

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Late spring (May to June)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7

Accent or Specimen Plant: Its large, fragrant, double white blooms make it a stunning focal point in the garden during spring.

Foundation Planting: Perfect near homes or patios where its scent and flower display can be enjoyed up close.

Mixed Shrub Borders: Adds height, fragrance, and brightness to layered plantings.

Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during bloom time.

Cottage and Traditional Gardens: Complements romantic garden styles with its elegant blooms.

Cut Flower Gardens: Produces beautiful flower panicles that are ideal for fragrant spring bouquets.

Seasonal Screens or Informal Hedges: Its upright growth can help create seasonal privacy and structure.

• Color: Dark green, heart-shaped leaves
• Shape: Broad, heart-shaped leaves with a smooth texture and pointed tips
• Size: Leaves grow 2-5 inches long

• Color: Large, double white flower panicles
• Bloom Time: Blooms in late spring (May to early June)
• Size of Blooms: Panicles are 6-8 inches long, forming dense clusters of fragrant, showy blooms

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5)
• Spacing: Space plants 5-6 feet apart
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball
• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season

• Pruning Needs: Prune immediately after flowering in late spring
• Winter Care: Mulching around the base in fall helps protect the roots

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. After establishment, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during dry periods.

• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Fiala Remembrance' is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture for optimal bloom production.

• Preferred Light: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day) is essential for the best bloom production. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.

• When to Harvest: Harvest flowers when buds are half-open
• How to Harvest: Use sharp pruning shears to cut stems just above a set of leaves

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base
• Pests: May attract aphids or lilac borers, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Disease: Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew

Self-pollinating, but attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

Peonies (Paeonia spp.) – bloom in sync and match the lilac’s elegance and fragrance.

Salvia nemorosa – adds vertical texture and vibrant purple color contrast.

Hosta varieties – provide bold foliage and thrive in the partial shade at lilac’s base.

Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' or 'Obsidian' – colorful foliage contrasts beautifully with the white flowers.

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – soft, lavender-blue blooms and mounding habit enhance lilac’s upright form.

Roses (especially shrub or David Austin types) – extend the blooming season and maintain a romantic aesthetic.

Allium giganteum – striking purple spheres bloom around the same time and offer a modern contrast.

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – provides year-round evergreen structure and complements lilac’s seasonal flair.