A PALE BLUE SHY LITTLE HANDKERCHIEF

Lilac 'Pale Blue Shy Little Handkerchief' – a variety of common lilac from the 'Russian Lilac' breeding group, known for its bright lilac-blue flowers with a diameter of 1.4–1.8 cm. The flowers are simple, without spots, and develop a soft light blue hue towards the end of the flowering period, while the buds remain dark lilac. Stamens are bright yellow, and the peduncles are sturdy and upright.

The bush is of medium size (190–220 cm in height, 140–160 cm in width), has an inverted egg shape, and medium density. The leaves are light green, heart-shaped, smooth, and lack unnecessary decorative elements. The canes are olive-green, and the peduncles are strong, providing wind resistance.

The variety is characterized by abundant and prolonged flowering: mass flowering begins in mid-May (from May 10–12), with the peak in late May to early June. The inflorescences typically contain 380–420 flowers and consist of two pairs of pyramidal racemes measuring 16–18 × 12–14 cm. The flowers slightly fade to a light blue shade, and the aroma is moderate.

'Pale Blue Shy Little Handkerchief' is resistant to diseases and pests, winter-hardy (zone 3), drought-tolerant, and has moderate heat tolerance. It withstands late spring frosts well, making it suitable for landscaping in northwestern, central, Volga-Vyatsk, black earth, and mid-Volga regions. It is recommended to cut off faded inflorescences to prolong the flowering period.