lilac
Syringa vulgaris
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 16 feet tall8 to 12 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Ascending
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Lilac-purple
- Foliage color
- Blue, gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a shrub for cottage gardens, hedges, specimen planting, and cut flowers. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, loamy or clay soil. Lilac-purple blooms open in early to late spring and smell sweet. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and birds visit the plant.
Pairs well with Woodland phlox, Spanish bluebell, Quick Fire panicle hydrangea, and Picture tulip.
Native range
Southeastern Europe.