Lilac (Syringa 'Penda' BLOOMERANG)

Overview

The Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG, commonly known as a reblooming dwarf Lilac, offers gardeners extended color thanks to its unique flowering cycle. Unlike traditional lilacs, this cultivar provides a profuse bloom starting in late spring, often extending well into the summer months. Its compact size makes it incredibly versatile for modern landscapes where space is a consideration.

This standout shrub features sweetly-fragrant, purple-pink flowers held in dense clusters against dark green foliage. Growing only 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG maintains a neat, manageable stature, requiring little effort to keep tidy. It is celebrated for its fragrance and low maintenance level, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and seasoned horticulturists.

Growers will appreciate the hardiness and urban tolerance of this plant, while landscape designers value its ability to provide reliable fragrance and color in smaller garden settings, borders, or containers. Expect a wonderful repeat show from your Lilac throughout the growing season if cultural needs are met.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Oleaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 3-4 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Purple-pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting your Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG should occur during the dormant season—early spring or fall—to allow the roots to establish before summer heat. Ensure the chosen location provides full sun exposure, as this guarantees the best, most prolific bloom display; it can tolerate light shade but flowering will be reduced. This Lilac thrives in organically rich, moist, neutral to slightly alkaline soils, but excellent drainage is paramount.

Water needs are medium; provide consistent moisture, especially when establishing the shrub or during dry periods. Do not let the soil remain waterlogged, as good air circulation is necessary for overall plant health. Maintenance is generally low, but proper pruning is key to maximizing the rebloom potential of Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG.

Immediately after the main spring flower panicles have faded, prompt removal (deadheading) can encourage further blooming later in the season. Crucially, avoid pruning the shrub from fall through the spring bloom period, as this removes the developing buds for the primary show. Prune only as needed immediately after the initial flush of flowers subsides.

Landscape Uses

The compact nature of Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG makes it an exceptional plant for various landscape roles. Its manageable size makes it perfect for use in shrub borders where larger lilac varieties might overwhelm the space. It is highly effective when massed together for a collective impact or used as an individual specimen to feature its fragrant spring and summer flowers.

Because of its reliable three-to-four-foot height, this dwarf Lilac serves beautifully as a foundational planting near homes, provided there is adequate space for air circulation. Furthermore, because it is listed as good for cut flowers, integrating several plants near a cutting garden ensures a steady supply of sweetly scented blooms for indoor arrangements. Its suitability for small hedges also means it can define smaller areas within the garden design.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Syringa is a genus of about 20 species of shrubs and small trees from Southeast Europe to East Asia, primarily grown for their showy fragrant flowers. The genus name stems from the Greek word syrinx, meaning tube or pipe, referencing the pith-filled stems of some species. The BLOOMERANG cultivar is a reblooming dwarf lilac, reportedly a cross of Syringa ‘Josee’, offering rich purple-pink, sweetly-fragrant flowers that appear in profuse clusters from late spring through summer.

Tolerances

• Deer

Potential Problems

Flower buds on the Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG are susceptible to frost injury if an early spring warming is followed by a sudden cold snap. Gardeners should monitor forecasts during unpredictable spring weather. While powdery mildew can sometimes develop on the foliage, it is usually only a cosmetic issue and rarely serious enough to warrant chemical intervention.

Leaf-roll necrosis is another potential, though uncommon, issue affecting some lilac varieties. Ensuring the plant has correct soil pH (preferably neutral to slightly alkaline) and good overall vigor can help increase its resilience against minor stress issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Lilac suitable for?

The Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG Lilac is most reliably grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7. Always ensure your planting site falls within this range for best performance.

How large does Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG grow?

This dwarf Lilac typically matures to a manageable height and spread of 3 to 4 feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces or foundation plantings.

What sun exposure does Lilac need?

For the best floral performance, Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG requires full sun exposure. While it tolerates light shade, maximize the beautiful purple-pink blooms by placing it where it gets direct sunlight daily.

When does Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG bloom?

This special reblooming Lilac provides its main show from April to May, followed by repeat flowering later into the summer season.

Conclusion

The Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG is a fantastic modern addition to the traditional Lilac family, offering season-long fragrance and manageable size. Its low maintenance and deer tolerance make it a practical choice for nearly any garden setting. Before planting, verify that your growing environment matches the USDA Zones 4-7 requirement and that you can guarantee full sun exposure for optimal repeat blooming.

Companion Planting

When planning beds around your Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG, select plants that share similar needs for medium moisture and well-drained soil, avoiding extremely dry conditions. Consider pairing it with low-growing perennials that appreciate partial shade later in the day, as the Lilac will provide decent high cover. Groundcovers like Hostas or Lungwort (Pulmonaria) work well beneath the canopy, adding texture without competing heavily for nutrients.

For complementary structure, use plants with contrasting foliage colors, such as chartreuse grasses or silver-leafed Lamb’s Ears, placed near the dwarf Lilac borders. Since the bloom time is early spring through summer, choosing later-blooming perennials ensures continuous color interest in the bed long after the final Lilac flowers fade.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring cleanup should focus on removing any winter debris and applying a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the Syringa ‘Penda’ BLOOMERANG to supply organic matter. This is the critical time to prune immediately after the main bloom finishes to encourage the summer rebloom cycle. Avoid topping the shrub during the summer or fall months.

Summer care revolves around consistent medium watering, particularly during dry spells, and avoiding excessive fertilization, which encourages vegetative growth over flowering. Monitor foliage for any signs of powdery mildew; if treatments are deemed necessary, apply solutions early in the season before the problem spreads widely.

Winter protection for this hardy Lilac is generally minimal in its established hardiness range. However, applying a fresh layer of mulch in late fall helps insulate the roots against hard freezes and conserves moisture heading into the next growing season. Remember to keep mulch clear of the main stem to prevent moisture buildup and rot.