lilac
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula
MBG Plant of Merit
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Soil types
- Loam
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula) is a shrub for borders, hedges, specimen planting, and cottage gardens. 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 soil. Fragrant flowers open in early to late spring and draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds. Deer rarely make it their first choice. It is salt tolerant and grows slowly into a dense shape.
Pairs well with Arrowwood viburnum, David garden phlox, and Bridal Crown daffodil.
Native range
Northeast China / Manchuria to Korea.