Lilac 'Audrey' Syringa × prestoniae 'Audrey'

Water

The Preston Lilac 'Audrey' should be watered deeply to encourage root development, providing about 1 inch of water once a week during the growing season. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering to twice a week. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. Adjust the frequency during fall to every two weeks, and during winter, water sparingly, only enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out, as the plant is dormant during this time.

Light

Preston Lilac 'Audrey' thrives best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less than optimal sunlight. The ideal spot is where the plant will receive unfiltered morning sunlight and some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.

Temperature

Preston Lilac 'Audrey' can withstand a range of temperatures, surviving winters down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant prefers the temperate climate with winter chill for dormancy, and the ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.

Pruning

Prune Preston Lilac 'Audrey' immediately after blooming to shape the plant and remove spent flowers, which encourages better blooms for the following year. Pruning should be done annually, remembering to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as to thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Preston Lilac 'Audrey' thrives in well-draining, fertile loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability.

Repotting

Preston Lilacs generally do not need frequent repotting as they are outdoor shrubs. They may require transplanting every few years if they outgrow their space or if soil conditions deteriorate.

Humidity & Misting

Preston Lilac 'Audrey' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions, as it is well-suited to outdoor environments where it can adapt to local conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temps, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

Preston Lilac 'Audrey' begins its life cycle as a seed, although in cultivation, it is often propagated from cuttings or grafts to maintain specific hybrid characteristics. After germination or rooting, the seedling or cutting enters a vegetative growth stage, developing roots, stems, and leaves. As the plant matures, it enters a period of budding in the spring, where flower buds form and bloom into fragrant purple or violet flowers, typically seen in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, which can be facilitated by insects like bees and butterflies, the flowers develop into seed capsules if conditions permit. Once mature, these seeds can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, continuing the reproductive cycle. The plant then goes through a period of senescence in the fall where it prepares for dormancy during the cold winter months before the cycle begins anew in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most common method of propagating Syringa × prestoniae 'Audrey', also known as Preston lilac, is through softwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late spring to early summer when new growth is still tender and green. To propagate by this method, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) portion of a healthy stem, ensuring that there are at least a couple of leaves or leaf nodes present. The cutting's lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is planted in a soilless potting mix, kept moist, and placed in indirect light until roots have formed, which can take several weeks. After rooting, the new Preston lilac plantlet can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into the garden.