Bloomerang Dark Purple Dwarf Lilac (Proven Winners)

Syringa ‘SMSJBP7’ Bloomerang® Dark Purple

Bloomerang® Dark Purple Dwarf Lilac is a compact, reblooming lilac that blooms in spring and again from mid-summer to frost. It features deep purple, fragrant flowers and a dense, rounded form, making it perfect for small gardens, borders, containers, and foundation plantings. It is cold-hardy (Zone 3-7), disease-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (very winter-hardy, suitable for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 4-5 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (best blooms with 6+ hours of direct sunlight)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid wet or compacted soil—lilacs dislike soggy roots.
• Spacing: 4-5 feet apart for a hedge, 6+ feet apart for individual plantings.

Watering

• Young Plants (First 1-2 Years): Water deeply once per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Lilacs prefer moderate soil moisture but do not tolerate standing water.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) in early spring to encourage flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it promotes leafy growth over blooms.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune:
  • After the first bloom (late spring to early summer) to encourage reblooming.
  • Light pruning in fall to maintain shape.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
  • Trim back weak or leggy growth to encourage dense growth.
  • Remove dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation.

Flowering & Fragrance

• Bloom Time:
  • First bloom: Late spring (May-June)
  • Rebloom: Mid-summer to frost (July-October)
• Flower Color: Deep purple clusters
• Fragrance: Sweet and strong, classic lilac scent
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Powdery mildew and bacterial blight (common lilac diseases).

Common Pests:

• Lilac Borers – Cause wilting branches.
  • Solution: Keep plants healthy and prune out affected wood.
• Aphids – Can cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown leaf spots.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and remove infected leaves.
• Root Rot (Phytophthora) – A risk in wet soils.
  • Solution: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Deer & Rabbits: Generally resistant, but young plants may need protection.

Landscape Uses

Great for small gardens, borders, and mass plantings
Reblooming for extended seasonal color
Highly fragrant, perfect near patios and walkways
Cold-hardy and resistant to common lilac diseases
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

Additional Notes:

• Bloomerang® Dark Purple Dwarf Lilac is one of the best reblooming lilacs, offering season-long color in a compact form.
• Lifespan: 50+ years with proper care.
• Works well as a foundation plant, hedge, or container shrub.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners