Syringa vulgaris 'Katherine Havemeyer'

• Pollinators: The fragrant flowers of 'Katherine Havemeyer' attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The nectar-rich flowers provide an important food source for these creatures, particularly in late spring when few other flowers are in bloom.
  
• Birds: After flowering, 'Katherine Havemeyer' may produce small seed pods that can provide food for birds in the fall and winter months. The shrub also offers shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds.
  
  

• Spring to Summer: 'Katherine Havemeyer' begins blooming in late spring, usually in May or June, with clusters of fragrant lavender-pink flowers. The flowering period lasts for several weeks, providing a burst of color and fragrance to the garden. As summer progresses, the plant’s foliage remains green, providing a lush backdrop to the remaining blooms.
  
• Fall: In the fall, the leaves transition to shades of yellow before they drop. This seasonal color change adds further visual interest to the plant, even after the flowers have faded.
  
  Winter: During winter, 'Katherine Havemeyer' enters dormancy, shedding its leaves and offering structure with its sturdy, upright branches. The shrub's form remains appealing in the winter landscape.

• Leaves: 'Katherine Havemeyer' has dark green, heart-shaped leaves with a smooth texture. The leaves are arranged opposite one another on the stems, contributing to the shrub’s dense foliage. The plant maintains healthy green foliage throughout the growing season, offering a contrast to the pastel flowers.
  
• Fall Color: In the fall, the leaves change to a soft yellow before they drop, offering a warm golden hue before entering dormancy.
  
  

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

• Flower Description: The flowers of 'Katherine Havemeyer' are small, soft lavender-pink blooms that appear in large, dense clusters. Each flower has a distinctive five-petaled shape, and the blooms are tightly packed together, creating an elegant and showy display. The fragrance is rich and sweet, filling the air with its captivating aroma.
  
• Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom for several weeks, with new clusters emerging throughout the season. After blooming, the flowers fade, and the plant transitions to producing seed pods, which can add texture to the garden.
  
  

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant 'Katherine Havemeyer' is in early spring, after the last frost, or fall, before the first frost. Planting during these seasons allows the plant to establish strong roots before the growing season or before extreme winter conditions set in.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Lilacs like 'Katherine Havemeyer' thrive in slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is at least 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 5–7 feet apart to allow for their mature size and to ensure proper airflow, which helps prevent disease.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Katherine Havemeyer' in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and trim the plant to shape it as needed. After the bloom period, you can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
  
• Pruning Tips: Light pruning throughout the growing season will help maintain its shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as lilacs bloom on old wood, and cutting back too severely could reduce flower production.
  
  Maintenance Pruning: Regular deadheading will encourage new blooms and help maintain the plant’s tidy, rounded shape.

• Watering: 'Katherine Havemeyer' requires moderate watering, particularly during dry periods. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It prefers well-drained soil and does not like to sit in standing water.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Katherine Havemeyer' is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, especially during the growing season.
  
  

Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

• Light: 'Katherine Havemeyer' thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal flowering, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade may help protect the plant from excessive heat and help preserve the vibrant blooms.
  
• Shade Tolerance: While it can tolerate some shade, the plant may produce fewer flowers and grow less vigorously in low-light conditions.
  
  

• Harvesting: 'Katherine Havemeyer' is an excellent choice for floral arrangements due to its large, fragrant flowers. Cut stems with fully opened flowers for use in bouquets or vases. These branches will last several days in water, offering beauty and fragrance in your home.
  
  Seed Pods: After blooming, the plant produces small seed pods, which can be left for birds to enjoy or harvested for future propagation.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before the plant begins its new growth cycle. This will encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
  
• Fertilizer Tip: Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as this can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced fertilizer with phosphorus and potassium will help improve flowering and overall plant health.
  
  

'Katherine Havemeyer' produces both male and female flowers and is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant for pollination. However, planting it near other lilacs or pollinator-friendly plants can improve pollination and lead to more abundant blooms.

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Daylilies, Echinacea, or Coreopsis for added color and texture contrast.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with other small flowering shrubs such as Weigela, Viburnum, or Spiraea to create a layered, multi-textured garden.
  
• Groundcovers: Low-growing groundcovers such as Ajuga or Liriope will complement the lilac’s appearance and enhance the base of the shrub.