Overview & Description

Congo French Lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘Congo’) is a stunning deciduous shrub prized for its highly fragrant, rich red-violet single blooms that appear in late spring to early summer. Dense, conical clusters of stunning red buds open to reveal the profuse, colourful flowers, which are beautifully accented by large, long, heart-shaped green foliage. This striking variety adds dramatic colour and classic lilac fragrance to any landscape.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, rounded, multi-stemmed growth habit. It is a moderate-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 6.5 – 8 feet in height with a spread of 6.5 feet.

Additional Notes

It blooms in late spring to early summer. Hardy to Zone 3, it is drought tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil. An outstanding choice for small landscapes, borders, screens, mass plantings, and fragrance gardens where red-violet blooms, rich fragrance, and compact performance are desired. Deer resistant and drought tolerant.