Contents
Description
Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Oleaceae family and is a hybrid of S. microphylla and S. patula. It is a compact and dense shrub that grows to a height of around 1.2 meters and a spread of 1.5 meters. It blooms in early summer with an abundance of pinkish-red flowers that are highly fragrant and attractive to butterflies and bees. The shrub produces small, shiny, and dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall before dropping off.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Syringa |
Appearance
Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie is a small, compact shrub with a dense and bushy habit. It has small, shiny, and dark green leaves that are oval in shape and around 2-4cm long. The leaves turn yellow in the fall before dropping off. The shrub blooms in early summer with an abundance of pinkish-red flowers that are highly fragrant and attract butterflies and bees. The flowers are around 1-2cm wide and grow in clusters. The shrub produces small, brownish-black fruits that are not edible.
Care Guide
Water: Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the shrub deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.
Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer, and repeat every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Soil: The shrub prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight: Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will bloom less profusely.
Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie is relatively pest and disease-free but can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt. To prevent diseases, ensure proper sunlight, air circulation, and watering. If necessary, treat with fungicides or neem oil. The shrub is also susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Control these pests by spraying the shrub with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie is native to China and was introduced to the United States in the 1800s. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought and heat. The shrub is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes as a specimen plant or in mass plantings. It is also suitable for container gardening.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie a good choice for a small garden?
A: Yes, it is a great choice for a small garden due to its compact size and dense habit.
Q: How often should I fertilize the shrub?
A: Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer, and repeat every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie grow in containers?
A: Yes, it is suitable for container gardening.
Q: How much sunlight does the shrub need?
A: Syringa Microphylla Red Pixie prefers full sun to partial shade.
Related Plants
- Syringa vulgaris
- Syringa x hyacinthiflora
- Syringa meyeri
- Syringa reticulata
References
- “Syringa microphylla ‘Red Pixie’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h590.
- “Syringa microphylla ‘Red Pixie’.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1305/red-pixie-littleleaf-lilac.php.
- “Syringa microphylla ‘Red Pixie’.” Fine Gardening, www.finegardening.com/plant/syringa-microphylla-red-pixie-littleleaf-lilac.
