Miss Kim Lilac

Miss Kim lilac is a compact, upright shrub selected for its fragrant lavender-blue flowers and rounded form. It is useful where the fragrance and spring color of a lilac are wanted at a smaller garden scale. ## Flowers and foliage Clusters of lavender-blue flowers open from purple buds in late spring and may continue into early summer. The elliptic green leaves turn burgundy in fall. NC State Extension records the cultivar for USDA zones 3–8; Oregon State describes it as a dense shrub that may grow larger with age. ## Garden placement Grow in full sun for the strongest flowering, though part shade is tolerated. It prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil around neutral to slightly alkaline. Use it as a specimen, in a mixed border, or as a low informal hedge. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and stems can be cut for arrangements. ## Sources [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/syringa-pubescens-subsp-patula/common-name/miss-kim-lilac/) · [Oregon State Landscape Plants](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/syringa-patula-miss-kim) ## Maintenance Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed, since next year's buds form after the bloom period. Remove crossing or damaged branches and allow good air circulation. Avoid waterlogged soil.