A new and distinct Syringa cultivar named ‘SMNJRPU’ is disclosed, characterized by sweet scented, purple flowers. Plants are dwarf and compact with re-blooming characteristics. The new variety is a Syringa normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Latin name of the genus and species:Syringahybrid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety ofSyringa, hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name ‘SMNJRPU’. This newSyringawas developed through a breeding program in Grand Haven, Mich. The objective of the breeding program was to develop newSyringavarieties with reblooming flowers, in new flower colors. ‘SMNJRPU’ is an internal, advanced selection from an in-house breeding program. The seed parent is an unnamed, unpatented proprietary breeding line. The pollen parent is unidentified as the new variety was produced through an open pollination breeding program. The open pollination resulting in the new variety was made in 2010. Selection of the new variety was made during 2013.

The first asexual propagation of ‘SMNJRPU’ was carried out during 2013 by softwood cuttings at a commercial nursery in Grand Haven, Mich. ‘SMNJRPU’ has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations. Multiple generations have been asexually propagated, with the new variety characteristics reproduced true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under standard horticultural practices at Grand Haven, Mich.:1. Dwarf, compact plant habit.2. Good floral fragrance.3. Reblooming habit.4. Purple flowers.

COMPARISON WITH THE PARENT VARIETIES

‘SMNJRPU’ is similar to the seed parentSyringain most horticultural characteristics. ‘SMNJRPU’, however, differs in the following:1. New cultivar has purple flowers, while the seed parent has pink flowers.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

‘SMNJRPU’ is similar to the commercial varietySyringa‘Penda’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,252, in most horticultural characteristics. ‘SMNJRPU’, however, differs in the following:1. Plants of the new variety are more compact and dwarf, this comparator is a larger plant.2. Plants of the new variety have darker purple flowers, comparator has lighter purple flowers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR

In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2015 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘SMNJRPU’ plants grown in a poly greenhouse during Summer, in Grand Haven, Mich. USA. The growing temperature ranged from 18° C. to 27° C. during the day and from 5° C. to 10° C. during the night. General light conditions are natural sunlight. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Fruit: Not observed to date.Disease and insect resistance: No significant disease or pest resistance nor susceptibility have been observed.Temperature range: Observed to tolerate temperatures between −33° C. and 36° C.