Syringa vulgaris ‘Andenken an Ludwig Spath’

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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Syringa vulgaris ‘Andenken an Ludwig Spath’

Ludwig Spath Lilac

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)