Syringa vulgaris, lilac, common lilac
1 / 7
Deciduous Shrubs

Syringa vulgaris

lilac, common lilac

OleaceaeSoutheastern Europe (Balkans)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m)
Width6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 7
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Syringa vulgaris is a large, upright, suckering deciduous shrub reaching 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m) tall with a spread of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m), developing a vase-shaped to irregularly rounded form that becomes leggy and open at the base with age. One of the most familiar and fragrant flowering shrubs in cultivation, grown in gardens since the 16th century. Bark is gray to gray-brown. Leaves are opposite (unusual among ornamental shrubs — most have alternate leaves), simple, broadly ovate to cordate (heart-shaped), 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, smooth, dark green. Fall color is insignificant — leaves typically drop green or with minimal yellowish change. Flowers are small, tubular, 4-lobed, borne in dense, terminal panicles 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long. Species flowers are lilac-purple; cultivars range from white through pink, lavender, blue, magenta, to deep purple, in single or double forms. Fragrance is intense, sweet, and distinctive — one of the most recognized scents in horticulture. Bloom in late April to May. Growth rate is moderate at 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) per year. Spreads by root suckers, forming colonies over time. Powdery mildew is a persistent problem in the Pacific Northwest's humid summers, particularly by late summer. Hundreds of cultivars have been selected; the French hybrids (Lemoine hybrids) developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain among the finest.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Europe (Balkans), from Romania and the Balkan Peninsula. Introduced to Western European gardens by the 16th century via the Ottoman Empire. Among the earliest ornamental shrubs introduced from the Near East. Now widely naturalized across temperate North America and Europe.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, informal hedge, or screen where the spring fragrance and flower display can be appreciated, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. The lower portions become bare and leggy with age; underplant with low perennials or site behind lower shrubs. Cut flowers are prized for arrangements. Traditional and heritage garden settings. For mildew-prone areas, consider the cultivar 'Bloomerang' (reblooming) or switch to 'Miss Kim' (S. pubescens ssp. patula). Classic cultivars include 'Sensation' (bicolor purple/white), 'Charles Joly' (double dark magenta), and 'Mme. Lemoine' (double white).

How to Identify

Identified by opposite, heart-shaped leaves (opposite leaf arrangement distinguishes from most other shrubs), dense terminal panicles of fragrant tubular flowers with 4 lobes, and leggy, suckering multi-stemmed habit. Distinguished from Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim' by larger size (8-15 vs 4-6 feet), larger leaves, earlier bloom (late April vs late May), and greater susceptibility to powdery mildew. The opposite, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive fragrance are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple
white
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Dense terminal panicles of intensely fragrant flowers in late April to May, lasting 2-3 weeks. Species is lilac-purple; cultivars offer white, pink, lavender, blue, magenta, and deep purple in single and double forms. Deadheading spent panicles improves appearance and redirects energy from seed production. Cut flowers are prized for indoor arrangements — among the most fragrant cut flowers available.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lilac-purple (species); cultivars in white, pink, lavender, blue, magenta, deep purple

Foliage Description

Dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water during dry periods; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light — essential for good flowering. Requires well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline conditions better than most ornamental shrubs. Good air circulation is critical for reducing powdery mildew, which is a persistent issue in the Pacific Northwest. Avoid overhead irrigation. Remove suckers regularly if spread is not desired. Fertilize lightly in spring. Lilac borer can damage older stems; remove affected canes at the base.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering in May to June — blooms on old wood. Remove spent flower panicles. Thin oldest stems (more than 5-6 years) at the base annually, retaining 8-12 vigorous stems. Remove weak, crossing, and inward-growing stems. Remove suckers unless colony expansion is desired. Rejuvenate overgrown, leggy plants by cutting all stems to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) from the ground in late winter — sacrifice 1-2 years of bloom for complete renewal. Avoid pruning in late summer through winter, which removes flower buds.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic