Syringa vulgaris Carpe Diem

Syringa vulgaris 'Carpe Diem' (or 'seize the day') is sure to lift your spirits and raise your motivation levels with its unusual, colour changing lilac panicles and intoxicating perfume. The sensational flowers are produced from March to August above enticing heart-shaped foliage. Flower buds emerge as light blue then, as flowers open, they mature to a richer, deeper mauve for a beautiful, animated palette. Syringa vulgaris 'Carpe Diem' is a member of the lilac family, plants from which were introduced to UK gardens from the mountains of south-east Europe in the 16th century. These plants have since naturalised here. Not only do they thrive in our cultivated areas they can sometimes be found in hedgerows and along woodland edges too. Syringa vulgaris 'Carpe Diem' is a hardy, deciduous shrub which can be pruned to grow as a single stemmed standard. It makes a wonderfully scented cut flower for bouquets and vases, as well as being a draw for pollinators. Prefers a site which benefits from moist, well-drained soil in full sun and matures to a height of 4m with a spread of 2.5m.