Syringa vulgaris ‘Belle de Moscou’
Price range: €45.00 through €65.00
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Lilac ‘Belle de Moscou’
- Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris ‘Belle de Moscou’
- Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
- Mature Height: 3–4m
- Mature Spread: 2–3m
- Flowering Period: May to June
- Flower Colour: Large, double, blush-pink buds opening to pearly white with a hint of pink; highly fragrant
- Foliage: Heart-shaped, mid-green leaves
- Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy throughout UK & Ireland)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline
- Aspect: Full sun (essential for best flowering and fragrance)
- Maintenance: Low to moderate (pruning after flowering)
Description
Syringa vulgaris ‘Belle de Moscou’ is a truly elegant lilac, celebrated for its sumptuous, highly fragrant flowers and graceful habit. In late spring to early summer, the shrub is adorned with large, conical panicles of double blooms—blush-pink in bud, opening to pearly white with a subtle pink tint. The scent is rich and classic, filling the garden with a sweet perfume that’s impossible to resist.
With its upright, bushy habit and lush, heart-shaped leaves, ‘Belle de Moscou’ makes a stunning focal point in borders, cottage gardens, or as a specimen by a path or terrace where the fragrance can be fully enjoyed. It’s also excellent for cutting, with long stems that look and smell beautiful in a vase.
Hardy and reliable in Irish and UK gardens, this lilac performs best in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It’s tolerant of cold winters and copes well with urban conditions, making it a great choice for a wide range of garden styles.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Space plants 1.5–2.5m apart depending on the effect you want. Plant container-grown specimens in spring (March–May) or early autumn (September–October). Choose a position in full sun for the best flowering and fragrance. Dig a generous hole, loosen the soil well, and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to support establishment. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Space plants 1.5–2.5m apart depending on the effect you want. Plant container-grown specimens in spring (March–May) or early autumn (September–October). Choose a position in full sun for the best flowering and fragrance. Dig a generous hole, loosen the soil well, and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to support establishment. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Soil Preparation:
Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline, moist but well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged or very acidic soils. Improve heavy clay with compost and grit to aid drainage; improve sandy soils with compost to retain moisture. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and feed the soil.
Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline, moist but well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged or very acidic soils. Improve heavy clay with compost and grit to aid drainage; improve sandy soils with compost to retain moisture. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and feed the soil.
Seasonal Care:
Low to moderate maintenance. Deadhead spent flower panicles after blooming to encourage strong growth and prevent unwanted seeding. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or congested wood. Avoid hard pruning, as lilacs flower on old wood and heavy cuts can reduce blooming for a year or more.
Low to moderate maintenance. Deadhead spent flower panicles after blooming to encourage strong growth and prevent unwanted seeding. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or congested wood. Avoid hard pruning, as lilacs flower on old wood and heavy cuts can reduce blooming for a year or more.
Pests & Problems:
Generally trouble-free. Watch for powdery mildew in damp summers—good spacing and airflow help prevent issues. Lilac borer can occasionally affect older wood; prune out affected stems if needed.
Generally trouble-free. Watch for powdery mildew in damp summers—good spacing and airflow help prevent issues. Lilac borer can occasionally affect older wood; prune out affected stems if needed.
Propagation:
Propagate from softwood cuttings in early summer or by layering in autumn. Grafted nursery plants give the most reliable results.
Propagate from softwood cuttings in early summer or by layering in autumn. Grafted nursery plants give the most reliable results.
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