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Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim'
Miss Kim lilac
Korea — the subspecies {S. pubescens} ssp. patula is native to the Korean peninsula; 'Miss Kim' was developed at the University of New Hampshire from seed collected in KoreaLearn more
Overview
Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim' is Miss Kim lilac, a compact mounding deciduous shrub growing 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide. Lavender-blue tubular flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) from purple buds in dense conical panicles 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) in May-June — strongly fragrant (classic lilac fragrance with a spicy undertone). Blooms 1-2 weeks later than common lilac (S. vulgaris). Dark green simple ovate opposite finely pubescent leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Turns purple to burgundy-red in fall — one of the few lilacs with consistent fall color. In Oleaceae. Developed at the University of New Hampshire from Korean seed. Compact size (4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 m) compared to common lilac (8-15 feet / 2.4-4.5 m). Powdery mildew on the foliage is the primary disease concern — develops in late summer on crowded plants with poor air circulation. This mildew susceptibility is the primary limitation. Lilac borer attacks stressed plants. Blooms on old wood — late winter pruning removes flower buds. Deadhead spent panicles. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Subspecies S. pubescens ssp. patula is native to the Korean peninsula. 'Miss Kim' was developed at the University of New Hampshire from seed collected in Korea.Suggested Uses
Grown as a foundation plant, low hedge, border shrub, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). Compact lilac (4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 m). Fragrant. Fall color. Space for air circulation (powdery mildew). Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May-June). Lavender-blue tubular flowers from purple buds in dense conical panicles 3-5 inches (7-13 cm). Strongly fragrant. 3 weeks on old wood. Blooms 1-2 weeks after common lilac. Bee-, butterfly-, and hummingbird-visited. Deadhead spent panicles.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-blue from purple buds, tubular, 0.3 inch (8 mm), in dense conical panicles 3-5 inches (7-13 cm); strongly fragrant (classic lilac fragrance with a spicy undertone)Foliage Description
Dark green, simple, ovate, opposite, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), finely pubescent (hairy); turns purple to burgundy-red in fall — one of the few lilacs with consistent fall colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-12 hours — full sun for dense bloom). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Powdery mildew in late summer — space for air circulation. Lilac borer on stressed plants. Blooms on old wood — do not prune in late winter. Deadhead spent panicles. Prune after flowering (June-July). Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.Pruning
Prune after flowering (June-July) — blooms on old wood. Deadhead spent flower panicles to the first leaf pair below the panicle. Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems at the base annually for renewal. Do not shear. Remove any root suckers if a single-stemmed form is desired.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons