Common lilac 'Mme Lemoine' (Syringa vulgaris) - scented shrub - 17 cm pot - Height 45 cm

The Common Lilac 'Mme Lemoine' (Syringa vulgaris 'Mme Lemoine') has moderate growth and a form that can be kept under control with regular pruning after flowering, making it suitable for modest-sized gardens. At maturity, it can reach 2.5 to 4 metres in height and spread, but it tolerates pruning very well to keep it contained. In a large pot (40 to 60 litres), it can also find its place on a spacious terrace.

Lilac 'Mrs. Lemoine' blooms from late April to June depending on the local climate and 'site exposure, generally peaking in May. Its large panicles of creamy white double flowers generally last two to four weeks on the 'shrub. The exact duration of the bloom depends on the temperatures: a mild and sunny spring prolongs the display, while early heat will 'shorten it. The fragrance, very pronounced, is strongest in the morning on sunny days.

Yes, the common lilac 'Mme Lemoine' is a real pollinator magnet in spring. Its double white flowers and their sweet fragrance attract honeybees and wild bees in droves, as well as bumblebees and many species of butterflies such as the red admiral or the peacock butterfly. This lilac therefore plays an important role in the garden's biodiversity at a time when there are often still few nectar-producing flowers.

Common lilac 'Mme Lemoine' (Syringa vulgaris) prefers well-drained, deep, slightly alkaline soils, with an ideal pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It tolerates clay or silty soils provided they are not waterlogged: excessive winter moisture is its main cause of failure. In acidic soils, adding limestone or dolomitic lime helps adjust the pH and improve flowering. In poor soil, incorporate mature compost at planting to promote establishment. Sandy soils that are too dry and nutrient-poor are also unsuitable without regular organic amendments.

Common lilac 'Mrs. Lemoine' can be grown in a pot or patio planter provided the container is large enough: a minimum of 40 litres is recommended to allow for satisfactory root development and a truly impressive display of flowers. Use a well-draining medium, such as a mixture of potting compost and coarse sand, and ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot. In a container, l'it must be watered more regularly because the medium dries out faster than 'in the ground, especially in 'summer.

The golden 'rule for pruning lilac is 'Mrs. Lemoine' to 'prune exclusively just after flowering, between late May and mid-June, never in autumn or winter. Indeed, the flower buds for the next season differentiate on the shoots of the 'previous 'year during the 'summer: late pruning would remove these precious buds and deprive the gardener of flowers the 'following year. After flowering, remove the faded clusters at their base and slightly shorten the overly long branches to maintain a balanced shape.

Common lilac 'Mrs. Lemoine' is generally robust and low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to 'powdery mildew, a fungus that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves in late 'summer, especially in hot, dry weather followed by 'nighttime moisture. This problem is primarily unsightly and does not endanger the 'shrub. To prevent it, make sure not to plant the lilac in a confined location and promote good air circulation around the plant.