Syringa vulgaris ‘Katherine Havemeyer’ – liliac parfumat cu flori duble, roz-liliachii

Syringa vulgaris ‘Katherine Havemeyer’ is an elegant variety of garden lilac, valued for its double, fragrant flowers in delicate shades of pink-lilac with lavender highlights. The inflorescences are abundant, romantic, and very decorative, and the classic lilac scent makes it ideal for gardens, yards, walkways, or relaxation areas.

It is a hardy ornamental shrub, suitable for permanent planting in the garden, with spectacular spring blooming.

Botanical Characteristics

• Outdoor ornamental shrub with deciduous foliage.
• Double, fragrant flowers grouped in dense, decorative panicles.
• Buds can be a more intense pink-purple, while open flowers take on pink-lilac, lavender, or slightly silvery shades.
• Blooming occurs in spring, usually in April-May, depending on weather and location.
• Green foliage with a natural appearance, typical of common lilac.
• Suitable for solitary planting, decorative groups, informal hedges, or near terraces and walkways.

Growing and Care Conditions

• Light: prefers direct sunlight. For abundant flowering, placement in a bright location with at least a few hours of sun per day is recommended.
• Watering: moderate. After planting, water regularly until the plant stabilizes; afterward, it tolerates normal dry periods well.
• Soil: prefers fertile, well-drained soils, neutral to slightly alkaline. Does not tolerate heavy, compact, or permanently wet soils well.
• Fertilization: in spring, an ornamental shrub or flowering plant fertilizer can be applied.
• Pruning: it is recommended to remove spent inflorescences immediately after flowering. Heavier pruning is also done after flowering, as lilac forms flower buds for the next year during the current season.
• Cold resistance: very resistant to Romanian winters and suitable for permanent garden planting. It can tolerate temperatures around -25°C / -30°C, depending on location, plant maturity, and soil drainage.

Recommended Substrate

For garden planting, a well-loosened, fertile soil improved with mature compost is recommended. If the soil is clayey or retains a lot of water, incorporating coarse sand, fine gravel, perlite, or other drainage material is advised.

For cultivation in large pots, a fertile substrate for outdoor plants mixed with perlite or pumice stone for extra drainage can be used. Avoid very acidic substrates and water stagnation at the roots.

What Makes It Special

‘Katherine Havemeyer’ stands out for its double, full flowers with a romantic look and delicate pink-lilac shades. It is a more refined variety than the classic common lilac, suitable for elegant gardens, rustic arrangements, or areas where the flower fragrance can be appreciated up close.

The contrast between the darker buds and the lighter flowers creates a very beautiful natural effect, and the abundant inflorescences have a classic, old garden appearance.

Height including pot: 40-60 cm (depending on season and horticultural work)