Syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’

Are you looking to introduce wonderfully fragrant blossom to your garden in the late spring months? The Syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’, commonly known as the Lilac, is renowned for its deeply evocative, deep red-purple blooms that appear throughout May and June. This cultivar offers significant late spring interest with its richly scented, double flowers held above attractive dark green foliage.

This variety exhibits a broadly bushy and upright structure, often developing multiple stems and a natural suckering habit which helps it establish well over time. As the seasons progress, you can look forward to a pleasing shift as the leaves turn a lovely yellow before dropping, providing yellow autumn leaf colour before winter. While it can occasionally produce dry, brown capsules, its main appeal remains the seasonal flowering and its value in attracting butterflies to the garden.

For best results in your UK garden, site this Lilac where it receives full sun, planted in moderately fertile, moist, and well-drained soil; it is wise to ensure good air circulation to discourage mildew, especially avoiding very chalky sites. This robust plant is versatile, making it ideal for screening when planted in sequence, or as a striking solitary statement shrub when given space to develop its character. If you are searching for a fragrant, reliable shrub providing excellent spring colour and structure, this is an exceptional choice.