Syringa vul. Charles Joly

Syringa vul. Charles Joly

Why Buy Me?

• Slow growing and compact
• Fragrant flowers
• Summer flowering

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun. Performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, which encourages abundant flowering and strong growth. Can tolerate partial shade, but flower production may be reduced.

Soil:
Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they drain well.

Exposure:
Best grown in a sheltered position, as strong winds can damage the delicate flowers. Tolerates cold winters and is hardy in most temperate regions, but it may need protection from late frosts that can damage buds.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. While Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly' can tolerate short dry periods once established, it thrives with consistent moisture. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first few years after planting.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in early spring or early autumn, when the soil is moist and temperatures are cool. Avoid planting during hot, dry weather.

Spacing:
Space 1.5–2 meters (5–6 feet) apart to allow room for its bushy, rounded form and to ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first few years of growth. Once established, water during dry spells to maintain lush growth and ensure good blooming. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage strong growth and flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch with organic material, such as compost or bark, to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune immediately after flowering to remove spent blooms and to shape the plant. Syringa vulgaris can be pruned to maintain a compact shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer. Can also be propagated by layering or by dividing older plants in early spring.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
In late spring, Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly' produces clusters of large, fragrant, double flowers that are a rich, deep magenta-pink. These flowers are highly fragrant and make a bold statement in the garden.

Summer:
After blooming, the foliage remains attractive with dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It provides a pleasant background of foliage throughout the summer, even though it is not particularly showy during this time.

Autumn:
In the fall, the foliage may shift to yellow or bronze tones before falling, offering a bit of seasonal colour.

Winter:
Deciduous. The plant loses its leaves in winter, but the bushy form can still provide structure in the garden, particularly when combined with other winter elements. Prune back in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy new growth.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
The highly fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. While the plant is not typically browsed by wildlife, the dense foliage provides cover and shelter for small birds.

Garden Use:
Charles Joly is an excellent choice for shrub borders, mixed borders, or as a specimen shrub. It works well in both formal and informal gardens and adds a wonderful spring fragrance. It can also be used as a foundation plant or a backdrop for lower-growing plants.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with other spring-blooming plants like Peonies, Roses, Irises, Salvia, and Campanula. It also complements late-spring to early-summer perennials like Echinacea, Allium, Geranium, and Phlox. Its vibrant magenta flowers contrast well with the lighter blooms of Lilies, Astilbes, or Coreopsis.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Syringa vul. Charles Joly .It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.