Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris ‘Andenken an Ludwig Spath’
Ludwig Spath Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 12 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Deep reddish-purple to wine-purple, single, highly fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Medium to dark green, broadly heart-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Moderate; prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove spent clusters
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Syringa vulgaris 'Andenken an Ludwig Späth' is a classic common lilac valued for richly fragrant, single florets in deep purple to wine-red tones. Dark buds open into long, slender panicles held above heart-shaped, medium green leaves, and the flower color tends to hold well as clusters mature. Panicles are excellent for cutting and perfume indoor arrangements.
Blooming in late spring into early summer, it is noted for extending the lilac season. The cultivar originated in Berlin, Germany, introduced by the Späth nursery in 1883 and named in memory of Ludwig Späth. After flowering, small brown seed capsules may form while the leafy framework provides summer structure in borders and hedges.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Specimen Plants · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Peony · Cotoneaster · Wallflower · Fountain grass · Tickseed · Escallonia
Design tip
Play up the unusually deep wine-purple flowers by setting ‘Andenken an Ludwig Späth’ against a backdrop of fresh green foliage rather than other dark-flowering shrubs. The contrast gives the long flower panicles greater definition and helps their rich color remain the focus of the spring display.
