Pinktini Lilac

Pinktini Lilac — Care Guide

Overview & Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Syringa × prestoniae ‘Jeftini’ (Pinktini™) 

• Growth Habit & Size: Compact, upright shrub. Reaches about 4–5 ft tall by ~3–4 ft wide at maturity. 

• Hardiness Zones: Zones 2 through 7 are commonly listed for this cultivar. 

• Flowers: Rich pink, fragrant panicles that bloom in late spring through early summer in cooler zones. 

• Foliage: Green, typical Preston hybrid foliage. 

• Other Traits:

  • Does not sucker, making it lower maintenance. 

  • Tolerant of drought once established. 

  • Useful in container plantings because of compact size. 

Planting & Site Selection

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) gives best flowering. 

• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Avoid sites that stay wet or waterlogged. 

• Spacing: Space shrubs 3–4 ft apart to allow room for mature size and good airflow. 

• Planting Depth: Plant so the root flare or graft union (if present) is at or slightly above soil level. Root flare should not be buried. (General lilac practice) 

Watering & Establishment

• First Years: Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) during establishment. Deep watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. 

• Once Established: The Pinktini Lilac is drought tolerant; water during extended dry spells to maintain vigor and flower production. 

• Mulching: Use 2–3 in of organic mulch around the base (leaving a small gap at the stem) to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Fertilizing

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth starts. 

• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of blooms. (General lilac practice) 

Pruning & Maintenance

• When to Prune: Immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer. Since lilacs set flower buds on older wood, delaying too long can remove next year’s flower potential. 

• How to Prune:

  • Remove the spent flower panicles (deadhead) to encourage energy into new growth. 

  • Cut out any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain structure and airflow. (General lilac practice) 

  • Occasionally, remove a few of the oldest stems at the base to rejuvenate the shrub. 

Pests & Diseases

• Common Issues: Like other lilacs, Pinktini may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spots, or lilac borers if conditions are favorable (humid or poor air circulation). 

• Prevention & Control:

  • Ensure good air circulation by spacing and pruning.

  • Don’t overwater or allow foliage to stay wet too long.

  • Remove and destroy diseased wood; sanitize pruning tools before moving to healthy plants.

Winter & Cold Hardiness

• Pinktini is rated hardy to zone 2, making it suitable even in very cold climates. 

• In very exposed or windy sites, young plants may benefit from wind protection or a thicker layer of mulch in the first winters.

Landscape Uses & Recommendations

Excellent for small gardens, foundation plantings, or container use due to its compact size.
Great as a specimen or focal shrub in a mixed border.
Fragrant blooms make it good for cut flowers. 
Works well in mass plantings or hedges, spaced appropriately.
Because it doesn’t produce suckers, low maintenance in terms of spread control.