Virtual Violet Lilac

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

5-7 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 7

Syringa Virtual Violet™ ('Bailbridget'), commonly known as Virtual Violet Lilac is a gamechanger for lilac shrubs. New leaves emerge shades of violet and are shiny. The leaves are deciduous and mature to a lush emerald green color. Magenta-colored buds appear in spring and open into large panicles of purple flowers. The flowers have a lovely fragrance and are excellent for cutting. Both the deep purple stems and smooth gray bark are highly ornamental. 

Virtual Violet is an upright multi-stemmed shrub with a dense growth habit. It reaches 6 - 8 feet high and spreads to 5 - 7 feet wide. It is exceptionally cold hardy down to zone 3 and requires minimal winter care. This lilac would make a lovely flowering hedge or a fragrant accent plant for an entryway or cut-flower garden. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees.

Virtual Violet Lilac Care

This shrub blooms best in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. It prefers moist, well drained soil, but is not particular about pH level or soil texture. Water deeply during the first growing season to give it a good start, especially on hot summer days. Add a heap of compost around the root zone to keep the roots cool and reduce evaporation. Fertilizing is not necessary, but you can add a slow-release formula in the spring to increase flower production. 

This shrub does not require extensive pruning. It blooms on old wood so prune just after flowering if you would like to reduce its size. You can remove dead or damaged branches any time of the year.

Virtual Violet Lilac Spacing

For mass planting, space these shrubs approximately 7 feet apart on center to allow them to reach their mature width. Space them approximately 5 feet apart if planting a tight hedge where branches from adjacent plants will touch. Virtual Violet does not perform well in containers because of its larger size.

SKU:

1231009484-pc