Syringa vulgaris 'Mrs Edward Harding'

Common Name:
Common Lilac 'Mrs Edward Harding'

Description:
Syringa vulgaris 'Mrs Edward Harding' is a striking French lilac cultivar known for its rich, deep reddish-purple blooms and elegant form. Flowering in mid-spring, this deciduous shrub produces large, conical panicles densely packed with single, vibrant florets that create a bold statement in any garden. The flowers exude a classic lilac fragrance, making them popular for cut arrangements and irresistible to bees and butterflies. The foliage consists of heart-shaped, medium-green leaves that maintain a clean appearance throughout the growing season. Well-suited to Melbourne’s climate, 'Mrs Edward Harding' prefers a position in full sun with well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance, responding well to light pruning after flowering. Ideal as a focal point, in mixed borders, or grown as a scented hedge, this cultivar brings colour, perfume, and structure to the spring garden.

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:

• Deep reddish-purple

• Wine-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:

• Paeonia (Peonies)

• Salvia nemorosa

• Geranium (Cranesbill)

• Buxus sempervirens (English Box)

• Philadelphus coronarius (Mock Orange)