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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 10 to 15 ft
Width: 8 to 12 ft
Flower color: Deep purplish-red, double, highly fragrant flower clusters
Foliage color: Deciduous medium green leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low to 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 'Charles Joly'

Charles Joly Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly' is a common lilac with fragrant, fully double blooms that open in mid to late spring. Deep wine-purple buds expand into dense panicles of reddish-purple flowers, often lasting well for cutting. Heart-shaped green leaves follow and form a leafy backdrop through summer. Fragrance is strongest on calm spring evenings.

Introduced in 1896 by the French breeder Victor Lemoine of Nancy, 'Charles Joly' remains a staple in classic lilac collections.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Fragrant Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Irises · Italian buckthorn · Sneezeweed · Fountain grass · Rock cress · Flowering quince

Design tip

Turn ‘Charles Joly’ into a dramatic spring anchor within a predominantly green planting. Its upright clusters of deep purplish-red flowers command attention from across the garden, while the surrounding green foliage keeps the rich flower color from competing with other strong hues.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)