Overview & Description

The Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a classic, large deciduous shrub celebrated for its iconic spring fragrance and lavish floral displays. In mid to late spring, it produces massive, showy, conical clusters of tiny, tubular, single or double flowers in shades of lavender, purple, white, or pink. Its intense, sweet perfume is a hallmark of the season and attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It forms a multi-stemmed, upright thicket of heart-shaped, dark blue-green leaves.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, multi-stemmed, suckering growth habit that becomes leggy with age. It is a medium to fast-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 8 to 15 feet in height with a similar spread of 6 to 12 feet. It can live for 30 years or more under ideal conditions.

Additional Notes

It blooms in mid to late spring for 3-4 weeks on old wood. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, and is remarkably cold-hardy to Zone 3. It requires good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. It is deer resistant and tolerates urban pollution. Deadhead immediately after flowering to promote next year’s bloom; prune in spring only if necessary. An outstanding heirloom choice for borders, hedges, screens, cottage gardens, or as a fragrant specimen.