Lilac Charles Joly Tall shrub or small tree. Glossy green heart-shaped leaves are adorned by sweetly fragrant dense clusters of double deep reddish purple flowers in late May or Early June. All lilacs are hungry and thirsty plants and should therefore be positioned with due consideration. Can be pruned hard to rejuvenate in mid-winter Some flowering may be lost after pruning as flowers are produced on two year old wood. Site: Needs some shelterPosition: Full sun dappled shadeSoil: Well drained, moist, Seasons of interest: Summer flowers, Hardiness: HardyHeight: 20ft (6m) Spread: 15ft (4m) in 10-12 years