Josika's Lilac
syringa josikaea
Also known as: ["Hungarian Lilac","Josika Lilac"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Hungary, known for its fragrant, pale pink to white flowers in spring.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Syringa |
| Botanical Name: | Syringa josikaea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, sheltered from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cold winters.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once in spring; water before and after application; stop in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%); warm temperatures (65–75°F); partial shade.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting system.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts; selective heading back of overgrown branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant; remove dead or weak growth; encourage flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; trim roots if pot-bound; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill container; improves growth and flowering.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; delayed bud development in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause dieback of tender shoots; buds may not open.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering.
Hot Stress
Wilting; leaf scorch; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rate; water thoroughly after.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSyringa josikaea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSyringa josikaea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSyringa josikaea, commonly known as Hungarian lilac, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Syringa josikaea grow?
A: It typically reaches 3–5 meters in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: It has moderate resistance to deer.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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