syringa

Prized for their scent, lilac shrubs need at least six hours of sunlight a day to produce great flowers. They will grow in shadier locations but won’t flower as well. They need a moist, well-drained soil and require very little fertilizer – avoid an excess of nitrogen. They spread through suckers which you would need to control by simply cutting them back.

Height: 4′ – 6′

Width: 6′ – 8′

Watering and soil: Moist, well drained soil.

Exposure: At least 6 hours of sun.

Varieties: Common White, James MacFarlane, Korean Dwarf, Ludwig Spaeth, Miss Canada, Miss Kim, Persian, Baby Kim, Bloomerang Dwarf Purple, Monge (Red-Purple), Scentara Pura Purple, Sensation (Bicolor).

Common White Lilac:
The Common White Lilac is a classic variety known for its fragrant white blossoms. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. Ideal companion plants include peonies, roses, and lavender, creating a charming and fragrant garden display. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages abundant blooms.

James MacFarlane Lilac:
James MacFarlane Lilac is prized for its vibrant pink flowers and strong fragrance. This variety is adaptable to various soil types but prefers slightly alkaline conditions. Pairing it with daffodils, catmint, and daylilies can enhance the visual appeal of the garden. A well-ventilated location helps prevent mildew issues, ensuring the health of the plant.

Korean Dwarf Lilac:
The Korean Dwarf Lilac is a compact variety with dense clusters of purple flowers. It thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape. Planting it alongside dwarf conifers, heucheras, and sedums creates a harmonious garden arrangement. Its petite size makes it suitable for small gardens or as a border plant.

Ludwig Spaeth Lilac:
Ludwig Spaeth Lilac is known for its deep purple blooms and strong fragrance. This variety prefers well-drained soil and benefits from occasional deep watering. Pairing it with ornamental grasses, irises, and Siberian bugloss adds texture and color to the garden. Regular removal of spent flowers encourages a tidy appearance and promotes future blossoms.

Miss Kim Lilac:
Miss Kim Lilac is a compact, slow-growing variety with fragrant lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and benefits from light pruning. Planting it alongside astilbes, hostas, and ornamental grasses creates a balanced and attractive garden. Cold-hardy and disease-resistant, it’s a reliable choice for northern climates.

Persian Lilac:
The Persian Lilac is known for its unique, delicate lavender-pink blooms. Well-suited to a sunny location with well-drained soil, it requires minimal maintenance. Pairing it with rosemary, sage, and ornamental onions enhances its Mediterranean charm. Drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.

Baby Kim Lilac:
Baby Kim Lilac is a compact and dwarf variety with lavender-pink blooms. Thriving in well-drained soil, it benefits from regular watering and occasional pruning. Pairing it with dwarf evergreens, creeping phlox, and tulips creates a charming garden display. Its small size makes it ideal for containers or small garden spaces.

Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac:
Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac is a reblooming variety with rich purple flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and benefits from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Companion plants like salvia, daylilies, and Russian sage complement its extended flowering season. This lilac is known for its ability to produce blooms in both spring and late summer.

Monge Lilac:
Monge Lilac features deep reddish-purple flowers and a sweet fragrance. Well-suited to well-drained soil, it benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape. Pairing it with peonies, catmint, and dahlias adds contrasting colors and textures to the garden. Drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.

Scentara Pura Purple Lilac:
Scentara Pura Purple Lilac is a fragrant variety with vibrant purple blossoms. Well-suited to well-drained soil, it benefits from regular water and occasional fertilization. Companion plants like butterfly bush, coneflowers, and yarrow enhance the pollinator-friendly garden. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller garden spaces or container planting.

Sensation Lilac:
Sensation Lilac is known for its striking bicolor blooms with purple edges and white centers. Well-adapted to well-drained soil, it benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape. Pairing it with peonies, irises, and daffodils creates a visually appealing garden display. Disease-resistant and low-maintenance, making it a reliable choice for garden enthusiasts.

Image: Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ (Dwarf Korean)

The differences between syringa vulgaris, prestoniae, and meyeri varieties

Syringa vulgaris, Syringa prestoniae, and Syringa meyeri are all members of the Oleaceae family and are commonly known as lilacs. While they share similarities, there are distinct differences between these varieties in terms of their characteristics, including size, flower color, fragrance, and growing conditions.

Syringa vulgaris:

Commonly referred to as the Common Lilac or French Lilac.
Native to southeastern Europe.
Tends to be the largest of the three varieties, often reaching heights of 8 to 15 feet tall.
Features large, fragrant clusters of flowers in colors ranging from white to shades of pink, purple, and even blue.
Blooms in late spring to early summer, typically in May.
Requires full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Known for its strong fragrance, which is often associated with traditional lilac scents.
Prized for its beauty and nostalgic appeal, commonly found in gardens and landscapes.

Syringa prestoniae:

Named after Isabella Preston, a renowned Canadian plant breeder.
A hybrid lilac resulting from crosses between different Syringa species.
Generally smaller in size compared to Syringa vulgaris, typically reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet tall.
Exhibits a wider range of flower colors, including shades of white, pink, lavender, and purple.
Blooming time may vary depending on the specific cultivar but generally falls within the spring to early summer period.
Adaptable to various soil conditions but prefers well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth.
Often bred for improved disease resistance and cold hardiness.
While still fragrant, the scent of Syringa prestoniae varieties may vary from the classic lilac fragrance.

Syringa meyeri:

Named after Frank Meyer, a plant explorer.
Originates from East Asia, particularly China and Japan.
Typically smaller and more compact in size compared to both Syringa vulgaris and Syringa prestoniae, with heights ranging from 4 to 8 feet tall.
Features clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or purple.
Bloom time usually occurs in mid to late spring.
Tolerant of a wider range of soil conditions, including slightly alkaline soils, but still prefers well-drained soil.
Exhibits good resistance to powdery mildew, making it a suitable choice for gardens in regions with humid climates.
Ideal for smaller gardens or landscape spaces due to its compact growth habit.

See: Shrubs and Roses

Category: Sun Perennials – Sun Plants – Sunny Plants – Shrubs – Deciduous Shrubs – Lilac near me – Syringa