Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Clarkes Giant'

Common Name:
Hyacinth Lilac 'Clarke's Giant'

Description:
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Clarke's Giant' is a bold, early-blooming lilac cultivar known for its large, fragrant blooms and vigorous growth. As part of the hyacinthiflora group, this deciduous shrub begins flowering in early to mid-spring—earlier than traditional Syringa vulgaris types—offering a grand display of full, conical panicles. The flowers are typically lavender to lilac-purple, with a rich scent that fills the surrounding air. True to its name, ‘Clarke’s Giant’ produces generous clusters of blooms and forms a large, upright shrub with broad, dark green leaves that may develop burgundy tinges in autumn. It is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies and performs reliably in Melbourne’s climate, thriving in a sunny spot with well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Its substantial size and floral impact make it ideal as a garden focal point, informal screen, or backdrop in mixed borders.

Form:

• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 3–4 metres

• Width: 2.5–3.5 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring (early to mid-spring)

Flower Colour:

• Lavender-purple

• Lilac

Key Attributes:

• Scented flowers

• Bee Attracting

• Bird Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging

• Cold Hardy

• Early flowering

• Excellent cut flower

• Vigorous grower

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Spiraea (Bridal Wreath)

• Paeonia (Peony)

• Rosa ‘Munstead Wood’

• Nepeta (Catmint)

• Philadelphus (Mock Orange)