Syringa x josiflexa 'Bellicent'

Flowering about 2 weeks later than the S. vulgaris hybrids, 'Bellicent' sets elongated trumpet-shaped blooms softly colored in a deep pink tinged with rose. Their fragrance is quite different from any other in the garden: a burnt-sugar/cinnamon essence that is absolutely enchanting (and may make you hungry!). Expect the blooms to last several weeks in late spring or even early summer, ending Lilac season with a spectacular show.

'Bellicent' reaches 10 to 12 feet high and about 15 feet wide, with a shrubby habit that makes it equally well suited for use as a specimen and as part of a mass planting or border display. Very tolerant of cold, it sets buds late in spring, missing the kiling frosts and assuring even gardeners in the far north of a lovely season of bloom.

Developed by Preston, 'Bellicent' is the first of a proposed series. Its foliage is as distinctive as its blooms, keeping the shrub attractive long past bloomtime. This Lilac is so striking that it has been given the prestigious Award of Garden Merit, the Royal Horticulture Society's highest honor for a plant.

Try 'Bellicent' alongside another late bloomer, S. x meyeri 'Josee,' as well as a succession planting to earlier bloomers such as S. vulgaris 'Krasavitsa Moskvy.' It also makes a lovely backdrop to more compact varieties. We are delighted to make it available for you this season. Zones 3-7.