How to Grow Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac
Wikimedia Commons
Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac
Syringa 'Bloomerang Dark Purple'
shrubBloomerang Dark Purple is a reblooming lilac cultivar that produces fragrant, deep purple flowers in spring and again in summer or fall, breaking the traditional single-bloom pattern of standard lilacs. This deciduous shrub grows 4-6 feet tall and wide, offering extended seasonal interest and rich color to gardens. It combines the classic lilac fragrance with modern repeat-flowering genetics.
When should you plant Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, with success through zone 8
Sign up free to see if Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1-2Young plant focuses on root development with slow above-ground growth
Water regularly, mulch around base (not touching stems), avoid heavy pruning. Prune spent flower clusters only.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Plant develops branch structure and foliage; may produce light flowering
Maintain consistent moisture. Light fertilization with balanced NPK in spring. Remove any crossing or dead branches.
Spring Flowering
3-4 weeks (April-May, depending on zone)Abundant deep purple flower panicles (4-6 inches long) appear on old wood in late spring
Enjoy the fragrance; deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom. Do not prune during bloom.
Summer Rebloom
4-8 weeks (June-September, depending on conditions)Second flush of flowers appears on new growth in summer or early fall
Keep watered during hot spells. Deadhead faded flowers to extend blooming. Light fertilizer can support rebloom.
Dormancy
November-MarchPlant enters dormancy in late fall and winter with no visible growth
No watering needed unless extremely dry. Do major pruning in late winter (February-March) before growth starts.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove and destroy infected leaves; prune out heavily infested branches; insecticidal soap in early spring
-
Ensure good air circulation by pruning, avoid wetting foliage, sulfur dust or fungicide if severe
-
Wrap young trunks with tree guard; remove and destroy infested wood; borer traps in late spring
-
Dormant oil spray in late winter; horticultural soap in growing season
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryLilac flowers are edible with a floral, slightly citrusy flavor and can be candied, infused in syrups, or used as garnish for cakes and cocktails. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalLilac has been used in traditional folk medicine to support respiratory health and digestion, though scientific evidence is limited. Tea made from flowers has been traditionally consumed for wellness. [source]
Fragrance and Aromatics
HouseholdThe intensely fragrant flowers are prized for cutting fresh, drying for potpourri, and extraction of essential oils for perfumery and aromatherapy. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftDeep purple panicles are classic spring cut flowers lasting 1-2 weeks in water, perfect for bouquets, wedding arrangements, and dried floral crafts. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeLilac flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during bloom periods, providing critical early-season nectar and supporting pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower panicles for fresh arrangements when 50% of buds have opened; cut early morning for best fragrance retention. Deadhead spent flowers at the base of panicle to encourage rebloom. Cut stems 1/4 inch above a leaf node.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bloomerang Dark Purple is a breakthrough cultivar developed at the University of Wisconsin and is one of the first truly reblooming lilac varieties suitable for home gardens, compared to traditional single-bloom lilacs.
- 🌱 The intense fragrance of lilacs comes from volatile compounds including terpenes and is strongest in the late afternoon and evening when the plant produces the most scent to attract pollinators.
- 🌱 Lilac has been cultivated for over 1,000 years, originating in southeastern Europe, and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello; the purple flower is associated with springtime across temperate regions worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac timeline →