Syringa ‘Old Glory’ is a lilac cultivar known for its robust growth and abundant, fragrant blooms. This deciduous shrub offers ornamental beauty and is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice for many landscapes.
Distinctive Characteristics
Syringa ‘Old Glory’ is notable for its showy panicles of fragrant, bluish-purple flowers that emerge from reddish-purple buds. These large, conical flower clusters can reach 6 to 8 inches in length, creating an impressive display. The bloom period occurs in mid-spring, often 7 to 10 days earlier than many common lilac varieties, extending the season.
This cultivar exhibits a rounded, multi-stemmed growth habit, reaching a mature size of approximately 8 to 11 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide. Its foliage consists of heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive throughout the summer and are bred to resist powdery mildew. ‘Old Glory’ also demonstrates good tolerance to heat and humidity, which allows it to thrive in warmer climates where other lilacs might struggle.
Optimal Growing Environment
Syringa ‘Old Glory’ performs best when planted in a location that receives full sun, ideally at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some partial shade, optimal flower production occurs with ample sun exposure. Good air circulation around the plant is also beneficial for its overall health.
The plant thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline, with a preferred pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It can adapt to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay, as long as drainage is adequate. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water might accumulate, as this can lead to poor growth or even plant decline.
Syringa ‘Old Glory’ requires regular and deep watering during its first growing season to establish a robust root system. Once established, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture during dry periods will promote the best flowering.
Ongoing Care and Pruning
Fertilization for Syringa ‘Old Glory’ is not heavy, but an annual application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is beneficial, especially in less fertile soils. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of flower production. Top-dressing with organic matter and mulch can also help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning should occur immediately after the plant finishes blooming in late spring or early summer. This timing is important because lilacs bloom on old wood; next year’s flower buds form on the current season’s growth. Pruning too late in the season, such as in fall or winter, risks removing these developing flower buds and reducing the following year’s bloom. Deadheading faded flowers before they set seed can encourage more prolific blooming in the subsequent year.
While Syringa ‘Old Glory’ is bred for disease resistance, particularly to mildew, general preventative measures can be taken. Ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and occasional thinning of older, crowded branches can help deter fungal issues. Lilacs may occasionally encounter pests like leaf-mining moths or thrips, but serious problems are uncommon.
Landscape Design Uses
Syringa ‘Old Glory’ is versatile in garden design due to its size, attractive form, and vibrant floral display. Its rounded, multi-stemmed habit makes it an excellent choice for a specimen plant, providing a focal point in the landscape. The abundant, fragrant flowers also attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
This cultivar is effective when used for creating hedges or privacy screens, offering seasonal visual impact and a dense form. It can also be incorporated into mixed shrub borders, adding height, fragrance, and early-season color. For more structured plantings, ‘Old Glory’ works well in foundation plantings, complementing the architecture of a home. Its adaptability and ornamental appeal make it suitable for various garden styles.