Miss Kim Lilac (Tree Form)

Miss Kim Lilac (Tree Form) Care Guide

Botanical Name: Syringa pubescens ssp. patula ‘Miss Kim’ (trained as single-stem “tree form”)

1. Overview & Growth Habit

• The tree-form “Miss Kim” is essentially the same cultivar as the shrub version, but grown on a single trunk to produce a small ornamental tree rather than a multi-stemmed bush. 

• It offers the same late spring fragrant lavender-purple blooms, compact size, and good disease resistance. 

• Mature dimensions (tree form) are roughly 8–10 ft tall with a canopy spread of about 6 ft, though this can vary with pruning and local conditions. 

2. Planting & Site Requirements

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for best flowering (at least 6 hours per day). Partial shade can reduce bloom performance. 

• Soil:

  • Prefers moist but well-drained soil

  • Avoid sites with stagnant water or poor drainage

  • pH should be near neutral (6.5–7.5) for optimal performance 

• Site Placement:

  • Choose a location where the fragrance can be appreciated, such as near patios or walkways

  • Allow room for the canopy spread—don’t plant too close to structures unless pruning disciplines are maintained

3. Watering & Maintenance

• Establishment Period: For the first 1–2 seasons, keep soil consistently moist (but not soggy) to help roots establish.

• Once Established: Drought tolerance improves, but supplemental watering during dry spells enhances bloom size and longevity.

• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone (avoiding contact with the trunk) to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

4. Fertilization

• In early spring, apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer or organic amendment (compost, well-aged manure) to support healthy growth and bloom production.

• Avoid over-fertilizing with high nitrogen, which can encourage excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.

5. Pruning & Shaping

• Timing: Immediately after flowering (late spring) is the best time to prune. Pruning later may remove the buds for next year’s blooms. 

• How to Prune:

  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches

  • Thin older branches by cutting back to a healthy lateral or trunk to maintain air flow and light penetration

  • In tree form, maintain a clear trunk by removing low shoots and shaping the canopy

  • Avoid removing more than ⅓ of the wood in one year to prevent stressing the plant

6. Flowering, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Late spring (typically later than many common lilacs) 

• Flower Traits:

  • Clusters of strongly fragrant lavender-purple flowers

  • Excellent for cut flower use

• Foliage:

  • Green leaves in summer

  • Fall color sometimes takes on burgundy or purplish tints (especially in harsher growing conditions) 

7. Pests & Diseases

• Miss Kim is relatively resistant to powdery mildew compared to many lilacs, though under humid or overly wet conditions some foliage issues may still occur. 

• Standard lilac pests (aphids, scale, etc.) may occasionally affect it—monitor and manage as needed

• Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help reduce disease pressure

8. Winter & Cold Hardiness

• Very cold-hardy: suitable for prairie climates and typical winters in Saskatchewan

• In young plantings or exposed sites, a winter mulch and trunk protection can help reduce cold injury or desiccation

9. Landscape Uses

As a focal tree in smaller gardens
Placed near patios, walkways, or entrances so fragrance and flowers can be enjoyed up close
In pairs flanking an entrance as ornamental “columns”
In mixed borders or shrub beds to add vertical interest

Photo from fastgrowingtrees.com