Syringa patula Violet Uprising™

Much like political uprisings have a way of shaking up the way we look at things, so too do horticultural ones. There is a new uprising occurring in the world of lilacs. Some varieties are fed up with being lumped into the “common lilac” category of Syringa vulgaris. They don’t want to be thought of as oversized, tree-like shrubs that bloom for a few weeks in the spring. How is THAT going to work in our smaller urban gardens? And what about summer fragrance or fall color? Don’t they count?

Violet Uprising™ is raising her branches to the sky in a newfound solidarity. We’re making history here people! An upright form of Manchurian lilac, Violet Uprising’s branches are strongly ascending as a very young plant - think goalpost. Lightly fragrant clusters of violet colored flowers form 12” panicles in early summer, measuring 6” across—also reaching upward. Farther into autumn as the night frosts return, leaves develop a rich purple color in keeping with the season. 

Our breeder, Michael Yanny in Milwaukee WI, says Violet Uprising escaped getting the “whimp gene” so prevalent in many modern lilacs. Unlike these other selections, this plant doesn’t melt out in the landscape after a few years due to root rot diseases. In addition, it is resistant to powdery mildew. An exceptional selection for hedging, use Violet Uprising to create a fragrant fence between you and your neighbors. It’s just the right height to share a story or two while you take in the amazing beauty of this incredible new lilac. Prune immediately after flowering has finished to give time for next year’s buds to set.

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