Syringa × diversifolia

Syringa × diversifolia, commonly known as the varyleaf lilac, is a hybrid shrub of the genus Syringa.

Description

Syringa × diversifolia is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of. Leaves are mid green, and may be entire, or multi-lobed. The name refers to the multiple shaped leaves on this lilac, one big leaf alongside two or three smaller leaves. Panicles are fragrant, and are white to pale pink. S. × diversifolia flowers relatively early in comparison to other lilacs, often flowering mid-April at Kew, while most other lilacs flower in May. The plant produces loculicidal capsules.

Distribution and habitat

S. × diversifolia is a garden hybrid. Syringa × diversifolia is fully hardy to temperatures of -15°C.

Taxonomy

Syringa × diversifolia is a hybrid which arose at the Arnold Arboretum in 1929. Alfred Rehder, Arnold Arboretum taxonomist, noted that Syringa pinnatifolia seedlings showed that the flowers had been pollinated by a Syringa oblata growing nearby.
The first clone produced, 'William H. Judd', is noteworthy mainly because of its variable foliage, which may produce, entire, pinnatifid or three- to five-lobed leaves.