Syringa vulgaris 'Nadezhda’

Syringa vulgaris ‘Nadezhda’: Double Lilac-Blue Panicles with Classic Fragrance

Syringa vulgaris ‘Nadezhda’ delivers a cool-toned lilac display with a richly scented spring presence. Rose-purple buds open into large panicles of double lilac-blue blooms, each floret notably large for a full, plush look in the garden. A profuse bloomer in late spring, it creates that unmistakable lilac moment near patios, paths, and open windows. With an upright, spreading habit, it matures into a substantial shrub that adds structure long after the flowers fade.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 240 cm
• Spread: 180–240 cm
• Flower Colour: Double lilac-blue (from rose-purple buds)
• Flowering Period: Late spring
• Foliage: Heart-shaped green deciduous foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adaptable in average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: ‘Nadezhda’ is ideal as a specimen shrub, a flowering screen, or the backbone of a sunny shrub border where fragrance matters. Its cool lilac-blue tones pair beautifully with whites, soft pinks, and spring bulbs, and the large double florets make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Plant it where you will pass by often in spring, since the scent is one of its best features, and the upright form helps it read cleanly in the landscape.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best flowering, choosing a site with good drainage and decent air circulation. Water regularly during the first growing season, then provide deep watering during extended dry spells. Mulch helps conserve moisture and reduce weeds, but keep it back from the stems. Prune right after flowering by removing spent blooms and, if needed, thinning a few older stems at the base over time to keep the shrub vigorous. Avoid late-summer or fall pruning, since next year’s flower buds form on current growth.

History: ‘Nadezhda’ is valued among traditional lilac selections for its distinctive bud-to-bloom colour shift and its large, double florets. Its combination of strong fragrance, generous panicles, and a substantial upright habit makes it a reliable choice for gardens that want classic lilac character with a cooler, lilac-blue finish.

Final Thoughts: For a fragrant, late-spring lilac that feels both classic and refreshingly cool in colour, ‘Nadezhda’ brings big panicles, double blooms, and the kind of spring scent that becomes a yearly ritual.