SYRINGA 'RED PIXIE' GROWN AS A MULTI-STEM TREE

Syringa 'Red Pixie' is a dwarf lilac with a divine fragrance, and said to grow to about 5ft.  Mine is now 6ft tall and I am growing it, like many trees in my garden, as a multi-stem so that plants can have space beneath it.  The plant spreading its 'wings under the lilac is Braun's Holly Fern (Polystichum braunii), my favourite.

Syringa 'Red Pixie' above Braun's Holly Fern (Polystichum braunii)

Right now we are heading towards June, and here at about 850ft above sea water on the Pennines of West Yorkshire, Red Pixie has opened its buds releasing a wonderful fragrance. However, after a chilly wet May so far, it is extremely warm and sunny today, no breeze, and we've been thrown out of the freezer and into the furnace😂. I have extended my electric awning to offer shade to some more delicate leaves (like my young Japanese maples.

Unfortunately, the awning is pushing into the top of the lilac.  As soon as the lilac has finished flowering, I will cut back its height somewhat. If you are going to prune a lilac, that is the time as it sets flower buds for the following year as soon as this year's flowers fade. Prune later, and you ruin next year's display.

Electric awning giving shade to plants, and me. 
Photo taken August 2022

Braun's Holly Fern