Syringa x 'MINUET' Canadian lilac, Preston lilac

Minuet is a dwarf variety of Canadian lilac. It produces tubular, sweetly scented, light mauve flowers composed in erect panicles, coming out about 2 weeks later than flowers on common lilacs i.e. mid to end May. It grows slowly, making a dense, rounded shrub.

Lance-shaped leaves are 6-12 cm long, deciduous, deep green and partly glossy. These lilacs do not make suckers, they are not weedy unless grafted on common lilac. Growing slower than common lilac they can be used as substitutes in areas where tall shrub would be a problem. Pruning is usually not recommended, but if you need to trim or re-juvenile the plant do so immediately after flowering. Deadheading will increase number of flowers for the following year.

Canadian lilacs come from several hybridizing of syringa reflexa and syringa villosa, plus other varieties. The first one was bred by Isabella Preston from Ottawa, Canada, in 1920´s and the result was a beautiful and extremely hardy shrub. Others followed later. According to the latest terminology they are now called only “syringa x” (or just “syringa”) removing “x prestoniae” followed by variety name.

Lilacs can be grown in many soil types. For best result use reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil, preferably neutral or alkaline. Full sun for profuse flowering. Fully hardy to -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 05-02-2012