Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla 'Superba'
Suberba Little Leaf Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 5 to 8 ft
- Width
- 8 to 14 ft
- Flower color
- Rosy pink to deep pink, very fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer, with possible rebloom in late summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove spent clusters
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 7
- Wildlife
- Fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla 'Superba' is a deciduous lilac with small, dark green leaves on fine, twiggy branching that gives the plant a soft, airy texture. In late spring to early summer, it carries loose panicles of fragrant, rosy-pink, long-tubed flowers that perfume the garden and draw early pollinators.
This cultivar is a garden selection of the littleleaf lilac, a species native to China, and it is widely grown for reliable flowering and good ornamental foliage through the season. After the main spring flush, 'Superba' often produces a lighter repeat bloom in late summer or early fall, extending its seasonal interest and making it a useful choice near paths and outdoor seating.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Larkspur · Windflower · Hardy mum · Fountain grass · Candytuft · Columbine
Design tip
Take advantage of ‘Superba’s’ unusually broad habit by using it to visually bridge taller shrubs and lower perennial plantings. Its fine branching and small leaves create a softer transition between those different scales, while the fragrant pink flowers add a strong seasonal highlight.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
