French Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Miss Ellen Willmott')

The name “French Lilac” is a bit misleading in terms of its origin. Here’s the breakdown:

* **Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac):** This is the base species and is native to the **Balkan Peninsula** in southeastern Europe (specifically the area of the former Yugoslavia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece).

* **’Miss Ellen Willmott’:** This is a specific cultivar of Syringa vulgaris. Cultivars are often developed in nurseries, so it’s hard to point to a specific “native region” for this exact variety. Given the name “French Lilac,” and the history of plant breeding, it is **likely that this cultivar was developed in France**. However, it could have been developed in another European country or even the United States.

**In summary:**

* **Syringa vulgaris:** Native to the Balkan Peninsula.
* **’Miss Ellen Willmott’:** A cultivar likely developed in France or another European/North American country.

Therefore, while the species is Balkan, the specific cultivar “Miss Ellen Willmott” most likely originated through horticultural efforts in Europe.

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