James Macfarlane Lilac

James Macfarlane is an upright lilac selection with single pink flowers in late spring and a light fragrance. Sources place it among hybrid Preston lilacs while retaining the established cultivar name. ## Flowers and form The [Oregon State University profile](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/syringa-prestoniae-james-macfarlane) lists *Syringa × prestoniae* ‘James Macfarlane’, with rosy-purple buds opening to pink flowers and an 8–10-foot mature height. It gives USDA Zone 3. [Coaldale Nurseries](https://www.coaldalenurseries.ca/?page_id=616) lists an 8–10-foot height and about 8-foot spread, Zone 2, full sun, and lightly fragrant late-spring flowers. The current size and lower zone remain within these published profiles. ## Siting Use it as a specimen, flowering hedge, or source of cut branches where its upright form has space. Full sun and moist, well-drained soil support flowering. ## Maintenance Water while establishing and through prolonged dry weather. Remove damaged or unwanted branches after flowering rather than cutting back before the spring display.