Mature Katherine Havemeyer Lilac Tree Options Explained
(HS)Girth 6-8cm : Half Standard,15-20L pot, *Around 80-100cm clear stem and roughly 30-60cm wide/tall head.
(HS)Girth 8-10cm: Half Standard,18-25L pot, *Around 80-100cm clear stem and roughly 40-80cm wide/tall head.
50+cm: Multi-stem/shrub, 50-80cm tall, 7-12L pot.
60+cm: Multi-stem/shrub 60-80cm tall, 10-18L pot.
80+cm: Multi-stem/shrub 80-100cm tall, 18-25L pot.
100+cm: Multi-stem/shrub 60-80cm tall, 25-30 pot.
*Heights are given as a very rough guideline and can have considerable variation based on species and supplier (each nursery experiences different growing conditions) It may even have been pruned before being sent out so we can only guarantee girth. Trees over 5.5m may include a delivery surcharge based on location and species.
Once a mature Katherine Havemeyer Lilac Tree is over around 200cm/4 years old then girth is the best measure of value for money. For every girth measurement increment e.g. 6-8cm to 8-10cm (roughly 12-18months growth), the canopy will be wider, stronger, bushier and the root system larger as it has experienced 12-18 months growth. You can notice larger root systems with potted versions because the pot size increases with maturity. As a very general rule, each one cm girth measurement represents around 30cm growth but this doesn't apply to slow-growing trees.
Multistem means several stems starting very low to the ground. Comparing these with the same age Standard and Half Standard, these are typically shorter as growing several stems takes more effort than one stem.
Standard and Half Standard means lollipop shape. There is a more clear stem with a Standard.
Katherine Havemeyer Lilac Tree Syringa vulgaris 'Katherine Havemeyer
A popular small lilac tree/shrub that has large dense bunches of highly fragrant double, purple-lavender flowers in May fading to pale lilac in mid-summer. They fade a bit more after that but a lot of people call that dead, we prefer the term "heavily restricted life".
You may not have seen the awards given to it on the BBC but take it from us, the RHS loved it so much, they gave it an AGM (Award Of Garden Merit)
This particular Lilac tree is considered chalk tolerant so if you happen to leave it in teachers stationary supply cupboard for a while, it won't be picking a fight with the blackboard writing sticks. In fact, we would go a bit further than chalk tolerant and actually say it thrives in chalk.
For best results make friends with a Syringa expert and/or plant in full sun. It will do well in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained and alkaline to neutral soils.
Maintenance pruning is advised to remove all dead, diseased and crossing over branches as is a light prune to encourage new growth. Other forms of encouragement such as clapping and shouting "COME ON, DIG DEEP, PUSH THEM FLOWERS OUT" is not as effective as the previously mentioned light pruning.
A small height tree/shrub, so expect a height of around 4 metres (13 foot) after 10 years. If you are particularly tall or spend a lot of time on a step ladder you may think it has not grown as much as you wanted. Equally, if you are height challenged then you may think you have purchased a Syringa Monster and received exceptional value for money. So if you are a bit of a short-arse, we definitely want a customer testimonial from you.
This tree/shrub is supplied at a height of 50-120cm in a 5-12 litre container for year-round planting and better results than from either bare-root or rootballed stock. The size range is a little broad because it depends when in the year you purchased it, what the weather has been like and if we have had a recent episode of pruning misunderstandings.
If we are sold out of Katherine Havemeyer Syringa Lilac trees then the Charles Jolly is very similar but a slightly darker purple and the Sensation Lilac tree is almost identical in colour.
Message card included at no additional cost if required. Just add the information required on the card at checkout.
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Katherine Havemeyer Lilac Tree
Tree received in good order & reasonable time. Planted in accordance with useful instructions & so far (7 days later) has not yet keeled over. Not the cheapest tree I've bought recently but hopefully may be the best, ask me again in a couple of years ! Regards Alan D 1014
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by ​​​​​​​contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
