Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim', Miss Kim lilac
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Deciduous Shrubs

Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim'

Miss Kim lilac

OleaceaeKorea

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim' is a compact deciduous shrub reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m), developing a dense, rounded, twiggy form. This is a slower-growing, more compact alternative to common lilac (S. vulgaris), selected from seed collected at Pouk Han Mountain, Korea, in 1954 by Elwyn Meader of the University of New Hampshire. Leaves are alternate, simple, ovate-elliptic, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, dark green, smaller and more refined than S. vulgaris. Fall color is an unusual feature among lilacs: burgundy-purple to wine-red, providing late-season interest. Flower buds are deep purple, opening to lavender-blue (paler than many S. vulgaris cultivars), in dense terminal panicles 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long in late May to June — 2-3 weeks later than S. vulgaris. Fragrance is intense and sweet. Growth rate is slow at 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) per year. Significantly more resistant to powdery mildew than S. vulgaris — an important advantage in the Pacific Northwest's humid climate. Does not sucker as aggressively as S. vulgaris.

Native Range

The subspecies Syringa pubescens ssp. patula is native to Korea. The cultivar 'Miss Kim' was selected from seed collected at Pouk Han Mountain, Korea, in 1954.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, in foundation plantings, low hedges, and mixed borders where the compact size, intense fragrance, and fall color add multi-season interest, spaced 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) apart. An excellent substitute for common lilac where space is limited or where mildew resistance is desired. The late bloom extends the lilac flowering season when planted with S. vulgaris. Suitable for large containers (minimum 10-gallon). Cut flowers are excellent for indoor arrangements.

How to Identify

Identified by compact, dense, rounded habit 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m), smaller leaves than common lilac, deep purple buds opening to lavender-blue flowers in late May to June (2-3 weeks after common lilac), and burgundy-purple fall color. Distinguished from S. vulgaris by smaller overall size, later bloom, smaller panicles, better mildew resistance, and burgundy fall color (common lilac has no significant fall color).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

purple
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Deep purple buds open to lavender-blue flowers in dense terminal panicles in late May to June, lasting 2-3 weeks. Bloom is 2-3 weeks later than common lilac (S. vulgaris), extending the overall lilac season. Fragrance is intense and sweet — among the most fragrant of the smaller lilacs. Deadheading spent panicles improves appearance and may promote next year's bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lavender-blue from purple buds

Foliage Description

Dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light; tolerates part shade but with reduced flowering. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Good air circulation reduces powdery mildew risk, though this cultivar is notably more resistant than S. vulgaris. Requires less maintenance than common lilac due to compact habit and reduced suckering.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering in June to July. Remove spent flower panicles (deadhead). Thin oldest stems at the base every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. The compact, dense habit requires less corrective pruning than common lilac. Remove any suckers from the base if they appear. Avoid pruning in late summer through winter — this removes next year's flower buds, which form on old wood.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic