Syringa villosa aka Japanese Lilac

Syringa villosa, or late lilac, belongs to the olive family. Its native range spans far eastern Russia, northern China, and Korea. This shrub loses its leaves each year. It grows upright, with dense branches that form a rounded crown. Most garden plants reach 6–10 feet (1.8–3 metres) tall and wide. RHS gives an upper size of 13 feet (4 metres). It may also form a small tree. Growth is moderate, and full size can take 10–20 years.

Stiff branches rise from the base, which produces new shoots. The stout twigs have brown, pointed buds and many lenticels. Older bark turns gray or gray-brown and may become scaly. The leaves grow in opposite pairs and have smooth edges. Their shapes range from oblong to oval or heart-shaped. Leaves measure about 0.17–0.58 feet (0.05–0.18 metres) long. They look dull and dark green, with veins pressed inward. Soft hairs often grow near the central leaf vein. Fall leaf color adds little to the garden.

Flowers open in May and June, after common lilacs bloom. Small, tube-shaped blooms form dense panicles at the branch tips. These clusters reach 0.33–0.67 feet (0.10–0.20 metres) long. Flower colors include pale purple, pink, and white. The blooms have a scent, though sources differ on its strength. Bees and other insects visit for pollen and nectar. The flowers also draw butterflies and work as cut flowers. Brown capsules follow the blooms and can remain on the branches.

Grow late lilac in full sun for good flowering. It also tolerates some shade. Give it moist, rich soil that drains well. It copes less well with drought than common lilac. Avoid standing water and very dry sites. Sources support slightly acid through alkaline soils, but differ on sand. Good airflow suits this shrub. Listed hardiness is USDA zones 3–7 and RHS H5. Use it for borders, screens, hedges, or small groups. Its dense growth gives birds cover, and it resists deer.

Late frost can harm buds despite the later bloom season. Shape lightly after flowering where pruning is needed. Some mildew resistance does not prevent all disease. Blights, leaf spots, wilt, and ringspot virus can occur. RHS also lists honey fungus, phytophthora, and bacterial canker. Pests include borers, scales, leaf miners, caterpillars, and thrips. Leaves and fruit have a reported use in sore-throat tonics. This use does not establish food safety or prove medical benefit. The supplied evidence gives no toxicity assessment.