Tinkerbelle Lilac

Tinkerbelle is the trade name for the compact lilac selection 'Bailbelle', a fragrant hybrid in the Fairytale series. Wine-red buds open to pink flowers in late spring above green foliage, and the rounded, upright shrub reaches about four to six feet tall and wide. It fits smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or a repeated group where a spring flower display is wanted. ## Site and growth The plant patent classifies this selection as a cross between Syringa meyeri and Syringa microphylla and gives USDA zones 3–7. Choose a sunny position with room for a mature spread of roughly five to six feet. ## Seasonal interest Late-spring flowers are fragrant and contrast with the darker wine-colored buds. The compact outline and fresh green leaves keep the shrub presentable after flowering. ## Maintenance Keep soil moist and well-drained, and water after planting. Lilacs form next year’s flower buds after bloom, so deadhead and shape immediately after flowering. Remove only unwanted or crowded stems, preserving the compact outline. [U.S. Plant Patent PP 12,294](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP12294P2/en) · [University of Minnesota Extension lilac care](https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/lilacs).