President Poincare Lilac

President Poincare Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'President Poincare')

President Poincare Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'President Poincare') is a classic French hybrid lilac cherished for its large, richly fragrant magenta-pink flower clusters and upright, vigorous growth habit. Introduced in the early 20th century, this heirloom variety continues to be a favorite for its vivid color, dependable bloom, and romantic fragrance. It adds timeless elegance and seasonal drama to borders, foundations, and focal point plantings in sunny gardens.

Distinctive Features

'President Poincare' produces dense, pyramidal clusters of deep rosy-pink to reddish-purple flowers that appear in mid to late spring. The panicles are full and heavily perfumed, drawing pollinators and delighting gardeners with their sweet, nostalgic scent. Its lush green foliage provides a dense backdrop to the flowers and transitions to yellow in fall. Mature shrubs typically reach 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, forming a stately presence in the landscape.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun is essential for strong flowering and overall vigor.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil; tolerates slightly alkaline conditions.
• Water: Moderate; water deeply during prolonged dry periods, especially in summer.
• Humidity: Best in areas with good air circulation; avoid overcrowding to reduce mildew risk.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7, offering excellent cold hardiness and reliability in northern climates.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Bold flowers and upright habit make it ideal for featured garden spots.
• Hedging and Screening: Creates a colorful, flowering privacy screen in spring.
• Cottage Gardens: A perfect fit for traditional or nostalgic garden styles.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Fragrant flower heads are excellent for spring arrangements.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when in bloom.

Low Maintenance Care

President Poincare Lilac is a low-maintenance shrub when planted in the right conditions. It benefits from annual pruning and good spacing to encourage air circulation and flowering.

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells, particularly in the first year after planting.
• Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove spent blooms; avoid heavy summer or fall pruning.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Deer resistant; susceptible to powdery mildew in humid areas but manageable with spacing and airflow.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy in cold climates with no special protection needed.

Why Choose President Poincare Lilac?

President Poincare Lilac brings bold color, strong fragrance, and traditional charm to spring gardens, making it a timeless choice for both new landscapes and classic plantings.

• Richly Colored Blooms: Deep magenta-pink flower panicles stand out in the spring landscape.
• Heirloom Fragrance: Strong, sweet scent evokes traditional garden nostalgia.
• Cold Hardy and Reliable: Performs beautifully even in harsh winters.
• Attracts Pollinators: Supports bees and butterflies in early to mid-spring.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with simple annual pruning and basic care.

For fragrant spring blooms, rich flower color, and old-fashioned garden charm, President Poincare Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'President Poincare') is a standout selection for any sun-drenched landscape.