Lilac 'James Macfarlane'

Quebec Multiplants

$44.99
Title

Extend the magic of lilac season with the robust and elegant 'James MacFarlane'. This exceptional variety concludes the spring symphony with a spectacular display of large, showy panicles in a vibrant shade of hot pink. Emerging from distinct, rosy-purple buds, the star-like blossoms rise high above forest-green foliage, creating a bold and colourful focal point. Unlike traditional lilacs, its slightly coarser texture and upright, non-suckering form give it a modern, architectural feel that keeps your garden looking polished and full long after other spring shrubs have faded. 

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Plant Details

Mature Size:

10' H x 8' W

Zone:

2-7

Watering:

Low to Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

James MacFarlane Preston Lilac, Canadian Lilac, Late-Blooming Lilac.

Scientific Name:

Syringa x prestoniae 'James MacFarlane'

Type:

Ornamental / Late-Blooming Flowering Shrub

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: 8–10 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide.
  • Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, and multi-stemmed; forms a large, rounded ball.
  • Form: Upright oval to rounded.
  • Growth Rate: Medium growth rate.
  • Longevity: Approximately 30 years under ideal conditions.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun for optimal bloom production.
  • Soil Preferences: Not particular as to soil type or pH, though it prefers well-drained, organically rich soil.
  • Soil Tolerance: Highly adaptable; uniquely tolerant of wetter soils compared to many other lilac species.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established; very drought-tolerant once mature.

Special Features:

Excellent resistance to powdery mildew; non-suckering habit (stays where you plant it); attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; highly tolerant of urban pollution.

Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom Information: Blooms in late spring to early summer (approx. 2 weeks later than common lilacs). Large pyramidal panicles of hot pink, lightly-scented flowers.
  • Fall Colour: Foliage turns a buttery yellow, burgundy, or bronze in autumn.
  • Bark: Smooth and gray-brown.

Garden Value:

A superb specimen plant ideal for tall flowering hedges, privacy screens, and mass plantings. Its late-season bloom makes it a critical choice for extending the color in mixed garden borders.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: A magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
  • Human Value: Provides a delicate fragrance and beautiful cut flowers for indoor arrangements; excellent for creating low-maintenance privacy screens. 

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Spring or early fall.
  • Spacing: 6–8 feet apart center-to-center.
  • Location Tips: Choose an open site with good air circulation to prevent mildew; suitable for planting under power lines due to its manageable height.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6+ hours of direct light daily).
  • Moisture Requirements: Adaptable; thrives in both dry and moist locations but requires well-drained soil.
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune only after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. 

Tolerances:

Cold, heat, drought, urban pollution, and wet soil conditions.

Tips For Success:

Use renewal pruning techniques—remove up to 1/3 of the oldest stems every few years to keep the shrub productive and prevent it from becoming "leggy" at the base.

Fruit Profile