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Description
Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln, also known as President Lincoln Lilac, is a deciduous shrub that is native to southeastern Europe. It is a member of the Oleaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its fragrant, purple flowers. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are clustered in panicles that can reach up to 20 cm long. The leaves are dark green and heart-shaped, growing up to 10 cm long. The shrub can grow up to 6 meters tall and 5 meters wide, making it a great option for hedges or as a standalone specimen in a garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Lamiales | Oleaceae | Syringa |
Appearance
Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln has a bushy appearance, with dense foliage and an upright habit. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color, with prominent lenticels. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate to heart-shaped, with serrated margins. They are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are fragrant and showy, with four petals that are fused at the base. They are arranged in panicles that are up to 20 cm long and can have up to 200 flowers per panicle. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are purple in color. The fruit is a dry, brown capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for its care:
- Water: Water the shrub deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and repeat in the summer if necessary.
- Soil: The shrub prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade, and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well.
- Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but may be susceptible to the following:
- Pests: Aphids, scale insects, and spider mites may infest the shrub, causing discoloration and deformation of the leaves.
- Diseases: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt may affect the shrub, causing yellowing and dropping of the leaves.
Habitat
Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln is native to southeastern Europe, where it grows in sunny, well-drained habitats such as hillsides, open woods, and rocky slopes. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks around the world, and is prized for its fragrant flowers and ease of care.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I prune Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln?
A: Prune the shrub immediately after flowering, removing any dead or damaged wood and shaping the plant as desired.
Q: Can Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers, but may require more frequent watering and fertilization than if grown in the ground.
Q: Is Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln deer-resistant?
A: No, the shrub is not deer-resistant and may be damaged by browsing deer.
Q: How can I propagate Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln?
A: The shrub can be propagated by taking softwood cuttings in the summer, or by layering in the fall.
Related Plants
- Syringa Vulgaris
- Syringa Vulgaris Sensation
- Syringa Vulgaris Charles Joly
References
- “Syringa Vulgaris.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281836.
- “Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln.” Gardenia, https://www.gardenia.net/plant/syringa-vulgaris-president-lincoln-lilac.
- “Syringa Vulgaris President Lincoln Lilac.” Monrovia, https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/199/syringa-vulgaris-president-lincoln-lilac/.
