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Syringa vulgaris 'Congo'

Also Known As

  • Congo Common Lilac

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 8'-10'
  • W: 6'-8'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

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Syringa vulgaris 'Congo' plant details

Syringa vulgaris 'Congo' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer burgundy flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional water. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Syringa vulgaris 'Congo'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: oleaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 8 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: burgundy blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cutting garden, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Syringa vulgaris 'Congo'

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The common lilac, Syringa vulgaris, is a beloved suckering shrub or small tree originally native to the Balkan peninsula now grown widely across Europe and North America. Lilacs are most famous for their beautiful flowers in shades of white, purple and pink and their characteristic, intense and beautiful fragrance. They are also extremely hardy. The internet says to zone 3 but my mother-in-law, Ramona, grew her lilac just fine in zone 1b Saskatchewan. 'Congo' has warm purple buds opening to lavender flowers.
This heirloom lilac (to 15') brings some rich dark colors to border and vase with its intense bright burgundy buds which fade to magenta flowers with a light, pleasant, lasting fragrance. S/M
Large flower heads that open wine red, then turn purple.

Gardening facts about Syringa vulgaris 'Congo' plant

How to Grow Syringa vulgaris 'Congo'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • burgundy
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Syringa for your garden

aka Betsy Ross Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 10'

Width: 13'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa 'Betsy Ross' flower by Klehm's Song Sparrow Farm and Nursery
View Plant

Scientific Name: Syringa 'Morjos 060f'

aka Syringa 'Josée', Josee Lavender Pink Dwarf Lilac, Josée Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

2a-9a

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa Josée™ flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

aka Syringa lacinata, Syringa laciniata, Cutleaf Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa x laciniata flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

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aka Minuet Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 5'

Width: 4'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa 'Minuet' flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
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aka Syringa x prestoniae 'Miss Canada', Miss Canada Preston Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa 'Miss Canada' flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

More Options

+107 more Syringa
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