This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth:
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness:fully hardy
  
  In late spring and early summer, this award-winning lilac produces slender trusses up to a foot long, of well scented, wine-red flowers. A long-standing favourite, this shrub is considered one of the best, and it reliably puts on a great show. Even after the flowers have faded, the heart-shaped foliage looks pretty throughout the summer.
  
  
• Garden care: In mid-summer remove the faded flower heads carefully using secateurs to avoid damaging the young shoots. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring.