Syringa wolfii - Shrub - Wolf's Lilac Page

Introducing Syringa wolfii or Wolf’s Lilac, a captivating eastern Asian marvel, rarely known in the West. S. wolfii is best renowned for its large and gorgeous flowers, the beauty of which surpasses many in its genre. Its inflorescence is large, broad, and erect, stemming from multiple branches adding to its aesthetic appeal. Each individual flower is horn-shaped, boasting four daintily pointed petals. The lilac flowers release a potent and pleasing fragrance that lends a calming atmosphere to your garden. In terms of color, flowers vary from snowy white to diverse shades of violet and purple-red, with some shrubs even boasting a bi-colored appearance.

S. wolfii originates from the rocky mountain shrub layers, forests, and river valleys of Manchuria, Korea, and the Russian Far East, standing tall at 20’. The handsome deciduous shrub is recognizable by its slender pointed leaves and late flowering schedule, blooming about two weeks after the common lilac (S. vulgaris) in June. Its flowers have a primrose yellow tube, and reach a length of 1/2". Despite its splendid presence, the Wolf's Lilac lacks in fall color, featuring only a muddy yellow, or no color at all. Embrace the rare beauty of this eastern gem, the Syringa wolfii.