Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac

Lilac bushes are a vital part of the landscape in cooler zones, but many become large shrubs or small trees, and once they have flowered, they are not very attractive. Plant breeders got to work on this problem, and now we have lilac bushes that are more compact, with branches right to the ground. Not only do they form attractive rounded bushes that fill shrub beds well, but the best of them also re-bloom. After their spring showing blooms return over the summer, continuing to add brightness and color. They are ideal for smaller gardens, where each square foot must give as much as possible. If you love the traditional rich purples of the old lilacs, then we have just the plant – the Bloomerang® Dark Purple Lilac, with richly colored flowers that just keep on coming and coming.

The Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac grows into a rounded shrub, with many branches, growing between 4 and 6 feet tall and wide within a few years after planting. It has a much denser branching structure than older types of lilacs, and it remains full and dense right to the ground, with only minimal pruning. The foliage is smaller too, to match the twiggy growth. Leaves are leathery but soft, with a slight sheen, and just 1½ inches long and 1-inch wide. They are more elliptical and less heart-shaped than traditional lilacs, and a medium-green color. Each branch carries a flower at the end, so both the main and side branches carry blooms, making a huge showing and smothering the bush in flowers. 

The first flush of blooms appears in spring, shortly after the leaves appear. Each head of blooms carried around 120 individual blossoms, and it is 3 inches tall and wide, in a fat, conical form. The blooms are sweetly scented, and each one is a slender tube with a flared mouth and four petals opening at the end. The delicious scent of traditional lilacs surrounds you when you approach the bush, and the deep purple coloring of the blooms fills your eyes with richness – close up and from across the garden. The inside of the tiny petals is a paler purple, adding to the richness and visual texture of the beautiful heads of blossoms. That first blooming lasts 3 to 4 weeks, but unlike traditional lilacs, that is not it for the season. Your plant will take a short rest, and then in July a second crop of blooms appears – not quite as full as in spring, but still very significant. More blooming will continue right into fall until the first frost. 

The Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac really delivers color, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It can be planted as a single specimen, or mass planted in a row or a bed, spacing plants 3 or 4 feet apart. Use it as a specimen in a lawn, for lots of color, or make a lower screen along a boundary or against a fence. Plant it on the sunny side of a wooded area for an exciting transition into more natural plantings. Use it around your house among evergreens, where you can both see and smell it through the windows thrown open for spring. Everyone loves the repeat flowering of this bush, and its combination of classic lilac beauty and bushy, compact form. 

The Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac grows best in cooler zones, which is great news for northern gardeners, in both the east and the west. Hardy in zone 3, It will grow up to zone 7, if well-watered, but not in warmer zones. It should be planted in full sun for the best blooms, and in ordinary well-drained garden soil. A little care is needed to maximize reblooming, but the results are more than worth it. After the first spring blooming trim lightly to remove the spent flowers and stimulate new growth. Apply a shrub fertilizer over the root-zone, and water regularly. Drought will usually inhibit reblooming, so regular watering is valuable. It is not necessary or desirable to prune this shrub too often – that spring trim is usually all that will be needed. If you do need to prune for size or shape, do it immediately after the spring blooming. The plant has shown good resistance to the root diseases that can kill lilac bushes, and its vigorous growth helps it resist other pests and diseases. Deer don’t bother it, and it has no special needs. 

There have been reblooming lilacs before, but nothing to match the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac. It was developed by Timothy Wood, a talented plant breeder with Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc, in Grand Haven, Michigan. He began by collecting seed from an older hybrid lilac called ‘Josee’, which has some tendency to re-bloom. ‘Josee’ has pale pink blooms and it is a three-way hybrid between Syringa pubescens, Syringa velutina and Syringa meyeri. All these lilacs come from China or Korea, and they are much more compact than the traditional European lilac. ‘Josee’ was developed around 1974 by Georges Morel for Minier Nursery in France. In 2004 Timothy Wood collected seed from that plant and grew a batch of seedlings for several years. Each year he marked the plants that rebloomed, and in the end he had three plants. Of these the best also had rich purple flowers, and it became Bloomerang®, patented in 2009 with the name `Penda’. In 2006 Wood went on to collect seed from that first plant, and again studied the seedlings. Among them was a new plant that was larger and more vigorous, producing even more blooms in the summer. It had larger blooms too, of a darker purple color. That plant is the Bloomerang® Dark Purple Lilac, patented in 2016 with the name `SMSJBP7`. Even better than the first Bloomerang Lilac, you are going to love the gorgeous color and rich blooms – so order your bushes right away, or they will be sold out when you come back.

What is the best time to plant the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac?

The best time to plant the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac is in early spring or fall. This allows the plant to establish its root system in moderate temperatures before the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter. However, as long as you can provide adequate water, it can be planted at any time during the growing season.

How often should I water my Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac?

The Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. However, it’s important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, but this may need to be increased during particularly hot or dry periods.

How can I encourage my Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac to rebloom?

To encourage your Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac to rebloom, make sure it is receiving adequate water and nutrients. After the first spring bloom, apply a shrub fertilizer over the root-zone and continue to water regularly. Additionally, a light trim after the spring blooming can stimulate new growth and further blooms.

Is the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac resistant to pests and diseases?

Yes, the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac is resistant to many common pests and diseases. It has shown good resistance to root diseases and its vigorous growth can help it fend off other potential issues. Additionally, it is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a great choice for areas with a high deer population.

Can the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac be grown in a pot?

Yes, the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac can be grown in a pot, provided it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s mature size and has adequate drainage. However, keep in mind that potted plants typically require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground. Also, ensure the plant receives plenty of sunlight, as it prefers full sun conditions.

What type of soil is best for the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac?

The Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac is not particularly picky about soil type, but it does best in well-drained garden soil. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. However, it will appreciate the addition of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and structure.

How much space does the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac need to grow?

The Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac grows into a rounded bush that can reach 4 to 6 feet in both height and width. Therefore, it needs enough space to accommodate this growth. If you’re planting multiple lilacs, they should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

What type of fertilizer should I use for my Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac?

A balanced shrub fertilizer is ideal for the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac. Look for a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, typically in early spring and again after the first bloom to encourage reblooming.

How do I prune my Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac?

Pruning the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac is quite simple. After the first spring bloom, give the plant a light trim to remove spent flowers and stimulate new growth. This can also help to maintain its rounded shape. Avoid heavy pruning as this can reduce the number of blooms.

Can the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac tolerate frost?

Yes, the Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac is quite frost-tolerant. It is hardy in zones 3 to 7, meaning it can withstand winter temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, late spring frosts can damage new growth and flowers, so it’s best to plant it in a location where it is protected from late frosts if possible.