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Syringa x chinensis 'Red Rothomagnesis'

Syringa x chinensis 'Red Rothomagnesis'

Red Rothomagensis lilac
chinensis, Chinese Lilac (Cloned)
Photo for species Syringa x chinensis Red Rothomagnesis
Mark Schwartz
What does this species look like?

The Red Rothomagensis (Chinese) lilac is a perennial, deciduous shrub that grows between 12 to 16 feet tall. Its tiny, reddish-purple flowers are grouped into showy, fragrant, terminal, long clusters. One distinction between it and the common lilac is the leaves that are about twice as long as they are wide compared to the much broader leaves of the common lilac (Image showing the lilac leaf difference).

The Red Rothomagensis (Chinese) lilac is a cloned plant grown as an ornamental. The most authoritative source identifies it as a cross between Syringa laciniata and Syringa vulgaris. The clone used for the USA-NPN Cloned Plants Project is properly known as Syringa x chinensis ‘Red Rothomagensis', sometimes referred incorrectly to as ‘Persian Lilac'. Although introduced, cloned lilacs are not invasive.  The USA-NPN Red Rothomagensis cloned lilac also does not produce seeds.

Why observe this species?

This cloned plant is genetically identical to all other cloned lilac plants in the USA-NPN Cloned Plants Project. We monitor these cloned lilacs to understand how they might respond to climate without the effects of variation among plants. These cloned lilacs were previously distributed as part of historic phenology networks in the United States. Observers that monitor cloned lilacs from the historic projects can now enter their observations as part of the USA-NPN. 

These cloned lilacs can be obtained for planting and subsequent observation as part of the USA-NPN. Review the distribution and purchase options and if you would like to be included on the USA-NPN Cloned Lilac waiting list, please select yes when you sign up as an observer. If you have recently obtained a cloned lilac plant, please check the information on how to select a planting site and the instructions for planting and care of your cloned lilac.

Where is this species found?
U.S. States: 
AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Special Considerations for Observing

When to Start Observations: In the middle of winter, lilac buds are desiccated (dried out) and appear somewhat "shriveled" (mid-winter bud). In late winter, after conditions begin to warm, the buds hydrate (swell due to becoming moist) and the tips open slightly (late winter bud). Watching for these two events is the best way to know when to start daily observations looking for the first emerging leaves. Once the buds have swelled and bud ends are slightly open and a bit green, the next round of warm weather can force the first leaves to emerge.

Acknowledgement

We wish to thank Joseph Caprio, Pierre Dubé, Charles Holetich, William Kennard, Helmut Lieth, Leonard Perry, Owen Rogers, Forest Stearns, Morrie Vittum, Robert Wakefield, and all the original researchers involved in regional phenology projects throughout the United States and Canada. Their foresight in establishing these phenological observation programs will provide an abundant harvest of knowledge to this and future generations. The instructions and information provided on this web page is derived from those presented in a previous publication (Dubé et al. 1984).

Which phenophases should I observe?
Leaves

Do you see...?

Emerging leaves (previously "First leaf") Image of Emerging leaves (previously "First leaf")
In at least 3 locations on the plant, an emerging leaf is visible. A leaf is considered "emerging" once the widest part of the newly emerging leaf has grown beyond the ends of its opening winter bud scales, but before it has fully emerged to expose the petiole (leaf stalk) or leaf base. The leaf is distinguished by its prominent midrib and veins.

All leaves emerged (previously "Full leaf out") Image of All leaves emerged (previously "Full leaf out")
For the whole plant, the widest part of a new leaf has emerged from virtually all (95-100%) of the actively growing leaf buds.

Flowers

Do you see...?

Open flowers (previously "First bloom") Image of Open flowers (previously "First bloom")
For the whole plant, at least half (50%) of the flower clusters have at least one open fresh flower. The lilac flower cluster is a grouping of many, small individual flowers.

Full flowering (previously "Full bloom") Image of Full flowering (previously "Full bloom")
For the whole plant, virtually all (95-100%) of the flower clusters no longer have any unopened flowers, but many of the flowers are still fresh and have not withered.

End of flowering (previously "Last bloom")
For the whole plant, virtually all (95-100%) of the flowers have withered or dried up and the floral display has ended.

For more information
USDA PLANTS profile for Red Rothomagensis lilac (USDA Symbol: SYCH3)

Acknowledgments