Syringa vulgaris 'Monge'

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
• Wildlife Resistant: Deer-resistant, suitable for gardens in areas with wildlife activity.

• Blooming Season: Late spring (May to June)
• Flower Description: Large, dense panicles of single, deep purple-red flowers with an intense fragrance.

Accent or Specimen Plant: Its rich reddish-purple blooms and classic lilac fragrance make it a bold focal point in the spring landscape.

Foundation Planting: Well-suited for planting near patios or windows to enjoy its fragrance and floral display.

Mixed Shrub Borders: Provides vibrant color and height among other flowering and foliage plants.

Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during bloom time.

Cottage and Traditional Gardens: Complements soft, romantic, or old-world garden styles beautifully.

Seasonal Screens or Informal Hedges: Its upright growth and dense foliage offer privacy and structure.

Cut Flower Gardens: Long, showy panicles are excellent for fresh floral arrangements in late spring.

The leaves are heart-shaped, dark green, and provide a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, even after the flowers have faded.

The plant produces large, dense panicles of single, deep purple-red flowers with an intense fragrance. The blooms are perfect for cutting and bringing indoors to enjoy their lovely scent.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when the soil is cool and moist. Container-grown plants can be planted throughout the growing season with proper watering.
• Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Plant at the same depth as the container, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Amending the soil with compost can improve drainage and fertility.
• Spacing: Space plants 6-10 feet apart to allow for air circulation and room to reach their mature size.

Prune immediately after flowering to maintain the shape of the shrub and encourage new growth. Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed formation and direct energy toward next year's blooms. Avoid heavy pruning, as lilacs bloom on old wood.

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, 'Monge' lilac is moderately drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Full sun is essential for optimal flowering. Plant in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best bloom production. Partial shade will reduce the number of flowers.

Flower Harvesting:

• Cut panicles when about two-thirds of the florets are open for best vase life and fragrance.
  
• Harvest in the early morning when the plant is fully hydrated.
  
• Use clean, sharp pruners and place stems immediately in cool water.
  
• To extend vase life, crush or split the bottom of the stems (1–2 inches) to improve water uptake.
  

Deadheading:

• Remove spent flower heads soon after blooming to prevent seed formation and maintain a neat appearance.
  
• This helps redirect the plant’s energy toward growth rather than seed production.
  

Seed Collection:

• If left unpruned, the plant may produce dry seed capsules by late summer.
  
• These can be collected when brown and brittle, though propagation from seed may not yield true-to-type plants.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

• Pest & Disease: 'Monge' lilac is relatively pest-free but can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.
• Winter Care: Hardy in USDA Zones 3-7, 'Monge' lilac requires no special winter care. In colder regions, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots during winter.
• Dividing: Not necessary, but lilacs can be propagated by softwood cuttings or suckers if you want to create new plants.

'Monge' lilac attracts bees and other pollinators, which help with natural cross-pollination. This lilac is self-fertile, meaning it does not require cross-pollination to bloom, though pollinators will enhance flower production.

• Peonies (Paeonia spp.) – Bloom around the same time and complement lilacs with lush, romantic flowers.
  
• Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' – Adds vertical texture and deep purple contrast to highlight lilac blooms.
  
• Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – Lavender-blue blooms and a soft, mounding habit pair well with the upright lilac.
  
• Hosta varieties – Provide bold foliage beneath the lilac, especially in shadier spots at its base.
  
• Heuchera 'Plum Pudding' – Offers colorful foliage that echoes and contrasts with lilac flower tones.
  
• Spiraea 'Goldmound' – Bright yellow foliage offers a brilliant contrast to the deep blooms of 'Monge'.
  
• Allium giganteum – Striking purple spheres bloom around the same time and offer modern contrast.
  
• Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Low-growing evergreen structure works well with lilac’s seasonal show.