Charles Joly French Lilac

Syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’

Charles Joly French Lilac is a classic, heirloom lilac variety known for its deep magenta-purple, double flowers and intense fragrance. It is a cold-hardy (Zone 3-7), long-lived, and disease-resistant shrub, making it a perfect choice for hedges, mixed borders, and specimen plantings in Southwest Saskatchewan. This lilac blooms in mid-to-late spring, attracting pollinators and adding vibrant color to landscapes.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (thrives in cold prairie winters)
• Mature Size: 10-12 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight for best flowering)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and alkaline soils.
  • Avoid wet or compacted soil—lilacs do not tolerate soggy roots.
• Spacing: 6-8 feet apart for a hedge, 8+ 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 periods.
• 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: Immediately after flowering (late spring to early summer).
• How to Prune:
  • Remove spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms next year.
  • Trim dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain airflow and health.
  • Avoid heavy pruning, as lilacs bloom on old wood.

Flowering & Fragrance

• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (May-June)
• Flower Color: Deep magenta-purple, double blossoms
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet, 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 hedges, screens, and specimen plantings
Rich, deep purple flowers make a bold statement
Highly fragrant, perfect near patios and walkways
Cold-hardy and resistant to common lilac diseases
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

Additional Notes:

• Charles Joly Lilac is one of the best purple-flowering French lilacs, prized for its deep color, fragrance, and long-lasting blooms.
• Lifespan: 50+ years with proper care.
• Works well in formal gardens, cottage landscapes, and mixed borders.

Photo courtesy of Jeffries Nurseries