Photo of Syringa vulgaris new growth by Plant Image Library

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Syringa vulgaris

Also Known As

  • Common Lilac

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 8'-15'
  • W: 6'-12'

planting zones

  • 3a-8b

More Options

Syringa vulgaris plant details

Syringa vulgaris is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring lavender and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something pollution tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Syringa vulgaris

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: oleaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 12 FT - wide, 8 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, fragrant, hedge

GROWING CONDITIONS for Syringa vulgaris

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: pollution
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lilacs are commonly used as a hedge due to their dense growth and fast establishment. They are easy to grow and also quite drought tolerant - here at our nursery where summer temperatures are 100+ degrees and summer rain is a miracle, established plants thrive when watered once every few weeks - if that.
Good, old-fashioned lilacs.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Gardening facts about Syringa vulgaris plant

How to Grow Syringa vulgaris

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • pollution tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • lavender
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Syringa for your garden

aka Betsy Ross Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 10'

Width: 13'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa 'Betsy Ross' flower by Klehm's Song Sparrow Farm and Nursery
View Plant

Scientific Name: Syringa 'Morjos 060f'

aka Syringa 'Josée', Josee Lavender Pink Dwarf Lilac, Josée Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

2a-9a

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa Josée™ flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
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aka Syringa lacinata, Syringa laciniata, Cutleaf Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa x laciniata flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

aka Minuet Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 5'

Width: 4'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa 'Minuet' flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

More Options

aka Syringa x prestoniae 'Miss Canada', Miss Canada Preston Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Syringa 'Miss Canada' flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

More Options

+107 more Syringa
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