Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly'

Common Name:
Common Lilac 'Charles Joly'

Description:
Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly' is a heritage French lilac cultivar cherished for its bold, double magenta-purple flowers and rich fragrance. Introduced in the late 19th century, this deciduous shrub remains a standout for its elegant panicles of deep, wine-coloured buds that open into densely packed, double florets with a velvety sheen. Blooming in mid to late spring, the flowers provide a heady scent that fills the garden and draws in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 'Charles Joly' is a vigorous, upright grower with heart-shaped green foliage that serves as a lush backdrop to its dramatic blooms. Best grown in full sun with well-drained soil, it performs well in Melbourne’s climate, where cool winters support strong flowering. It makes a striking feature in mixed borders or as a standalone specimen and can also be used as a flowering hedge.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 2.5–3.5 metres

• Width: 2–3 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Magenta-purple

• Deep reddish-purple

Key Attributes:

• Scented flowers

• Bee Attracting

• Bird Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging

• Excellent cut flower

• Cold Hardy

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Rosa spp. (Roses)

• Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)

• Aquilegia (Columbine)

• Geranium (Cranesbill)

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