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Description
Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula, commonly known as Manchurian Lilac or Downy Lilac, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. It is native to Manchuria, China, and Korea, but has also been introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. The shrub can grow up to 3-5 meters tall and 2-4 meters wide. It has an upright growth habit with arching branches and a rounded crown. The leaves are ovate to oblong in shape, dark green in color, and hairy on the undersides. The flowers are fragrant, pink to lilac in color, and bloom in dense clusters in late spring to early summer.
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Angiospermae |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Syringa |
Appearance
Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula is a beautiful shrub with attractive features. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth, while the branches are slender and arching. The leaves are 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with a pointed apex and a serrated margin. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the undersides are covered in fine, white hairs. The flowers are fragrant and showy, measuring 1-2 cm in diameter. They are arranged in dense, pyramidal clusters, with each cluster containing up to 20 individual flowers. The petals are pink to lilac in color and have a tubular shape. The fruit is a small, dry capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: The shrub prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.- Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.- Soil: The shrub prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0). If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but this may reduce flowering.- Hardiness Zones: Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by the following:- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with fungicides.- Leaf spot: A fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation around the plant.- Aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula is native to Manchuria, China, and Korea, where it grows in mixed forests and along stream banks. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. In North America, it is commonly planted as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I prune my Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula?A: Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out any crossing branches to improve air circulation.Q: How tall can Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula grow?A: The shrub can grow up to 3-5 meters tall and 2-4 meters wide.Q: Does Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula attract pollinators?A: Yes, the fragrant flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: Can Syringa Pubescens Subsp. Patula be grown in containers?A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full size and may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
– Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac)- Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)- Syringa meyeri (Meyer Lilac)- Syringa josikaea (Hungarian Lilac)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Syringa pubescens subsp. patula. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c293- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Syringa pubescens subsp. patula. Retrieved from https://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=444- North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Manchurian Lilac. Retrieved from https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/manchurian-lilac
