Syringa josikaea (Hungarian Lilac)

Syringa josikaea (Hungarian Lilac) is a species of flowering shrub belonging to the family Oleaceae. It is native to the Carpathian Mountains in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. The plant is named after Count József Sándor Apponyi de Nagyappony, a Hungarian botanist who discovered it in the early 19th century. 

Hungarian Lilac is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 2-4 meters (6-13 feet) and has a compact, upright habit. It features dense clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The individual flowers are tubular with four lobes and range in color from pale lilac to deep purple, although some cultivars may have white or pink blossoms. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 

The leaves of Syringa josikaea are opposite, simple, and heart-shaped with a smooth or slightly serrated margin. They are dark green in color and create an elegant backdrop for the vibrant flowers. In autumn, the foliage may turn yellow before dropping. 

This lilac species prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is relatively hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Hungarian Lilac is valued for its ornamental beauty and is often cultivated in gardens and parks for its showy flowers and pleasant fragrance. It can be used as a specimen plant, in hedges, or as part of mixed shrub borders. 

Pruning is recommended after flowering to maintain the shape of the shrub and promote better flowering in the following season. Syringa josikaea is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to the landscape. 

Here are some more details about Syringa josikaea: 

It has a compact, upright habit

It has dense clusters of fragrant flowers

The leaves are elliptic-acute, 6–12 cm long, with a finely hairy margin

The flowers are dark pink, with a tubular base to the corolla 15 mm long with a narrow four-lobed apex 3–4 mm across, with a strong fragrance

They are produced in slender panicles up to 15 cm long in early summer

It is well suited to a cooler climate

It prefers open spaces where it will receive full sun and part shade and good air circulation

It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is alkaline to neutral

It can be planted in zones 5 to 7