Syringa Dark Purple – A Classic Lilac with Rich, Fragrant Blooms

The Syringa Dark Purple is a stunning variety of lilac, prized for its bold, deep-coloured flowers and wonderful fragrance. In late spring, it produces large panicles of rich purple blooms, creating a dramatic display that perfumes the garden with a sweet, nostalgic scent. Its classic charm makes it perfect for cottage gardens, mixed borders, or as a standalone specimen where its beauty can take centre stage.

With its upright habit, strong growth, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements, this lilac is a superb choice for gardeners who want a reliable shrub that offers both colour and fragrance year after year.

General Information

Syringa vulgaris (common lilac) and its cultivars, such as Dark Purple, are well-loved for their timeless appeal and garden value.

• Habit: Upright, bushy deciduous shrub with strong stems.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 2.5–3m tall and wide, forming a substantial presence in the garden.

• Foliage: Large, heart-shaped green leaves provide an attractive backdrop to the blooms.

• Flowers: Dense panicles of deep, dark purple flowers with a rich fragrance.

• Flowering season: Late spring to early summer (usually May–June).

• Position: Best in full sun for maximum flower production and strongest colour.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil; dislikes waterlogged ground.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Excellent as a specimen shrub, in mixed borders, cottage gardens, or for informal hedging.

Its combination of rich colour, fragrance, and robust growth makes it one of the most desirable lilac varieties for gardens of all styles.

Care Guide

Syringa Dark Purple is a resilient shrub, easy to grow with just a little seasonal attention.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in autumn or spring when the soil is moist and not frozen.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, spacing 2–3m apart for hedging or group planting.

• Preparation: Improve heavy soils with compost and grit to enhance drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to help roots establish.

• Once mature, lilacs are drought-tolerant but benefit from watering in prolonged dry periods.

• Feed in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser to support healthy growth and abundant flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new shoots.

• Remove spent flower heads (deadhead) to prevent seed formation and promote next year’s blooms.

• Avoid cutting back into old wood, as lilacs may not regenerate well.

• Every few years, remove older stems from the base to rejuvenate the shrub.

Protection

• Fully hardy and frost-tolerant.

• May be prone to powdery mildew in late summer; plant in a spot with good airflow to reduce risk.

• Generally pest-free and reliable.

Why Choose Syringa Dark Purple?

This variety is perfect for gardeners who want strong colour, fragrance, and a dependable, long-lived shrub.

• Bold colour: Deep purple blooms create a dramatic late-spring display.

• Fragrance: Sweet, nostalgic scent fills the garden in bloom.

• Wildlife-friendly: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

• Versatile use: Works as a specimen shrub, in mixed borders, or as a hedge.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, resilient, and easy to grow.

The Syringa Dark Purple is a classic lilac that combines beauty, fragrance, and reliability. Whether planted as a standalone feature or as part of a cottage-style border, it delivers a show-stopping display every spring and fills the air with its unforgettable perfume.

• Size
  80- cm Stem C5 ltr - P23

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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