Syringa komarowii subsp. reflexa

RHS Plant Profile
nodding lilac
nodding lilac RHS

Other common names

pendulous lilac

Synonyms

Syringa reflexa

Shrubs

A large shrub to 4m tall with oval leaves, rough to thetouch,up to 20cm long. Long, narrow, drooping panicles of densely-packed purplish-pink flowers that are a whitish colour inside are borne in late May and June

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Syringa can be deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple, entire or rarely pinnate leaves and conical panicles of small, very fragrant, 4-lobed tubular flowers in late spring or early summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most well-drained, fertile, humus-rich alkaline to neutral soils. Thrives in chalky ground and appreciates mulching when planted in full sun. Dislikes strongly acidic soils

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or layering in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to lilac leaf-mining moth, willow scale and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to lilac blight, honey fungus, phytophthora, powdery mildews and bacterial canker (Pseudomonas Syringae)