Hers Weeping Lilac

Hers Weeping Lilac (Syringa pubescens ssp. microphylla 'Hers')

Hers Weeping Lilac, Syringa pubescens ssp. microphylla 'Hers', is a graceful, small scale lilac with arching, fountain like branches that spill outward and downward, creating a soft, cascading silhouette in the spring garden. In late spring, the branch tips are covered with clusters of lavender pink blooms that hang along the arching stems, so the entire shrub looks draped in color and classic lilac fragrance. The small, neat leaves emerge fresh green and stay attractive through the growing season, giving the plant a tidy, textural look even after flowering. Compact, elegant, and strongly scented, Hers Weeping Lilac brings a romantic focal point to sunny borders, foundation plantings, and near patios where its weeping habit and perfume can be appreciated up close.

Distinctive Features

Hers Weeping Lilac typically grows about 5 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, forming an upright central framework with slender, arching side branches that create a naturally weeping outline. Flower clusters are held along the upper portions of these cascading stems, so blooms appear both at the tips and along the sides, giving a layered, draping effect when in full flower. The blossoms open in soft lavender pink tones and carry a sweet lilac scent that is noticeable without being overpowering, especially in cool morning and evening air. Small, oval green leaves are finely textured and densely spaced along the stems, helping the shrub read as a refined, delicate presence rather than a bulky mass in the landscape.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily for the heaviest flowering and strongest branching.
• Soil: Prefers well drained, moderately fertile soil; performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions but adapts to most average garden soils that do not stay wet.
• Water: Water regularly during the first few seasons to establish deep roots; once established, provide occasional deep soakings during extended dry spells rather than frequent light watering.
• Hardiness: Well suited to colder winter regions where lilacs traditionally perform, as long as the planting site has good drainage and some air movement.
• Size: Forms a medium sized shrub about 5 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity, depending on climate, soil, and pruning.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that builds its weeping framework over several years and then settles into a reliable pattern of spring bloom and summer foliage.

Ideal Uses

• Garden Focal Point: Plant as a stand alone specimen near patios, seating areas, or at a bed corner where the weeping habit and scented blooms can act as a natural focal point.
• Foundation and Entry Plantings: Tuck near porches, steps, and walkways where the arching branches soften hard lines and flowers can be enjoyed at eye level.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Combine with upright lilacs, viburnums, spireas, and compact evergreens to add a different silhouette and texture in sunny borders.
• Cottage and Informal Gardens: Pair with peonies, irises, roses, and traditional perennials to create a romantic, slightly informal look with strong spring fragrance.
• Small Spaces: Use in modest yards, courtyard beds, and narrower borders where a full size lilac would be too large but you still want height, scent, and a distinctive weeping form.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water during hot or very dry weather with deep, occasional soakings to keep roots hydrated without waterlogging the soil.
• Pruning: Prune just after flowering by removing spent flower clusters and thinning out a few older or congested branches at the base, preserving the natural weeping outline rather than shearing the shrub.
• Fertilizing: In early spring, apply a light dose of balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of compost if soil is lean, avoiding heavy nitrogen that can push leafy growth at the expense of bloom.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from the main stems.
• Seasonal Care: Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or right after bloom, and lightly guide or stake young shoots if needed to maintain a graceful, fountain like habit.

Why Choose Hers Weeping Lilac?

• Graceful Weeping Habit: Cascading branches create a fountain effect that stands out from standard upright lilacs and adds movement to the landscape.
• Classic Lilac Fragrance: Soft lavender pink flower clusters carry a sweet scent that turns paths, patios, and open windows into scented spring experiences.
• Compact, Manageable Size: Medium stature fits well into small to medium gardens, foundation beds, and mixed borders without overwhelming nearby plants.
• Fine Textured Foliage: Small leaves and arching stems give a delicate, refined look that pairs nicely with both bold and fine textured companions.
• Reliable Spring Highlight: With good sun, drainage, and timely pruning, Hers Weeping Lilac returns year after year as a distinctive focal point, providing bloom, fragrance, and sculptural form in sunny gardens.

With its cascading habit, sweetly scented lavender pink blooms, and compact size, Hers Weeping Lilac is an excellent choice for adding a graceful spring focal point, fragrant cut stems, and a unique silhouette to sunny borders, foundations, and cottage style plantings.