How to Grow Syringa Josee - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Syringa josee is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 3-4 feet tall. The leaves of the syringa josee are oval shaped and green in color. The flowers of the syringa josee are pink in color and they bloom in the springtime.

How to Grow Syringa Josee - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Lila
  • Bloomerang
  • Josee
  • Sensation
  • Summer Lilac

Common Knowledge

  • Syringa josee is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 m (10 ft) tall.
  • It has oval to lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in summer and turn red or purple in autumn.
  • The flowers are pinkish-purple, and they bloom in early to mid-summer.
  • Syringa josee is native to China and Korea.
  • It was introduced to North America in the early 1900s.
  • It is hardy in zones 3 to
  • Syringa josee prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • It is relatively drought tolerant once established.
  • Syringa josee is susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids.
  • It is a popular choice for hedges and foundation plantings.

Related plant:
Syringa Vulgaris Mme Lemoine

How to Grow

  1. For syringa josee, first step is to purchase the bulbs. You can find these at your local nursery or online.
  2. Next, plant the bulbs in a well-drained soil mix.
  3. Water regularly and fertilize monthly.
  4. Once the plant blooms, deadhead the flowers to encourage reblooming.
  5. In the fall, cut back the plant to encourage new growth in the spring.
  6. Over time, syringa josee will begin to form clumps. You can divide these clumps every few years to keep your plant healthy and vigorous.
  7. With proper care, syringa josee will provide you with beautiful blooms for many years to come!

Related plant:
Syringa Sensation

The Soil

About soil condition, the syringa josee does best in average to moist conditions, and does poorly in dry soil. It also prefers slightly acidic conditions, and is intolerant of alkaline soils. The syringa josee has good drought tolerance once established.

Light requirement

Just like other syringa species, the Josee syringa requires full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. It should be planted in an area of the garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The more sun it receives, the more flowers it will produce.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the syringa josee plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade, and it requires moist soil that is well-drained. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the syringa josee plant will not thrive.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the flowers will not develop properly. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn’t need too much. A light application of a general purpose fertilizer in early spring is all that is required. Syringa josee is a hardy plant and once it is established, it is drought tolerant. As for its roots, they are quite shallow so be careful when you are planting it near structures or sidewalks.

Plant Pruning

Pruning syringa josee is best done in the early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged stems, and then thin out the plant by removing about one-third of the oldest stems. This will encourage new growth and help to keep the plant compact and full.

About Propagating

Propagation of the Josee Lilac is done through softwood or hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer, when the plant is actively growing. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from new growth that is at least a year old, while softwood cuttings should be taken from new growth that is less than a year old. To take a cutting, simply cut a stem that is about 6 inches long, and make sure that there are at least two sets of leaves on the stem. Cuttings can be planted in a pot filled with moist potting mix, and they should be kept in a shady spot until they have rooted. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and fall. However, during the summer months, growth rate may be slower due to the heat. Syringa josee are fast-growing shrubs and can achieve a height of 6 to 10 feet in just a few years.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, gray mold, root rot, and aphids. Powdery mildew is a white powder that covers the leaves of the plant. Gray mold is a gray fuzzy mold that grows on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Root rot is a condition where the roots of the plant rot and the plant dies. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your syringa josee regularly, as it is a thirsty plant.
  • Place your syringa josee in a sunny spot, as it loves the sun.
  • Fertilize your syringa josee every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune your syringa josee regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Deadhead your syringa josee to keep it looking its best.
  • Divide your syringa josee every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
  • Watch for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if needed.
  • Syringa josee is a relatively fast-growing plant, so be prepared to water and fertilize it regularly.
  • Keep an eye on your syringa josee, as it can become overgrown and unmanageable if left unchecked.

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Source:
Syringa spp. | Maud Gordon Holmes Arboretum | SUNY Buffalo …
Syringa X Hyacinthiflora ‘Asessippi’ | NC State Extension
Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)-Hort Answers

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category