Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) Syringa pubescens subsp. patula
Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Oleaceae family, native to Korea and north-east China. It grows 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) tall and 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Korea and north-east China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’)
- How far apart should I plant Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean lilac (‘Miss Kim’). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
Notes and assumptions
- Compact, mildew-resistant lilac flowering after common lilac; ‘Miss Kim’ came from seed collected in Bukhansan in 1947. Burgundy autumn leaves.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris
- Common privet Ligustrum vulgare
- Forsythia Forsythia x intermedia
- Common jasmine Jasminum officinale
- Olive Olea europaea
- Sweet osmanthus Osmanthus fragrans
- Arabian jasmine Jasminum sambac
- Early lilac (Chinese lilac) Syringa oblata