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common lilac

common lilac

Syringa vulgaris

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 3aZone 7b

A classic deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant, showy clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers in spring. It's a hardy, low-maintenance plant that performs best with full sun and well-drained soil.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
8–20′ tall × 6–12′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

moderate

Flood Tolerance

none
Zone 3aZone 7b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 3a to Zone 7b

pH Range

5.87.8
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 5.8 to 7.8

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

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

Harvest Season

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

Season of Interest

Spring

Shrub

Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.

Succession Role

early successional

Native Range

Southeastern Europe

Function & Care

hedgerowmedicinalpollinator nectarywildlife benefitwindbreakedible

Edible Parts

flower

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting, layering, sucker

Companion Planting

Plants well with

Notable Cultivars

Charles Joly (double magenta flowers) and Mme. Lemoine (double white flowers) are classic double-flowering cultivars; President Lincoln is a single-flowered pure blue variety.