Lilac Common
Syringa vulgaris
A beloved deciduous shrub that heralds spring with its intensely fragrant flower clusters in shades of purple, pink, or white. This old-fashioned favorite can live for decades and becomes more beautiful with age, producing abundant blooms that are perfect for cutting. Few shrubs can match the nostalgic appeal and intoxicating fragrance of a mature lilac in full bloom.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Paths & Walkways
Zones
3–7
USDA hardiness
Height
8-16 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Lilac Common in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Lilac Common · Zones 3–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Paths & Walkways. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 16 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Agincourt Beauty'Large purple flowers with rounded corolla lobes. 'Angel White'Low-chill cultivar with white flowers. 'Josee'Pale purple-pink flowers in spring and again sporadically in the fall. 'Ludwig Spaeth'Dark purple, single blooms. 'Sensation'Purple florets edged in white; corolla lobes pointed. Mid-season bloom., 'Agincourt Beauty', 'Angel White', 'Josee', 'Ludwig Spaeth', 'Sensation'. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Mountains.
Harvesting
The fruit is a smooth, flattened dehiscent capsule (3/4"), borne in large panicles at the terminal tips of branches. The capsules are initially green but mature to brown and are divided into 2 segments. There are 4 seeds per capsule.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Flowers can be eaten raw or folded into a batter and fried to make fritters.
History & Origin
Origin: Balkan Peninsula
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Rabbits, Salt
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Colorful, Fragrance
- +Wildlife value: Lilac attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The nectar of the flowers is food for long-tongued bees, butterflies, and possibly moths. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage.
- +Edible: Flowers can be eaten raw or folded into a batter and fried to make fritters.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Similar soil and sun requirements, repels pests, and provides complementary fragrance
Roses
Compatible growing conditions and lilacs can provide beneficial background screening
Clematis
Climbing vine can use lilac as natural support while sharing similar care needs
Hostas
Thrives in partial shade provided by lilac canopy, complementary foliage textures
Daffodils
Early spring blooms complement lilac timing, bulbs don't compete with shrub roots
Peonies
Similar soil preferences and bloom sequence extends garden interest
Spirea
Compatible shrub with similar water and soil needs, provides layered landscaping
Astilbe
Tolerates partial shade under lilacs and adds contrasting flower texture
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill lilac shrubs
Large Maple Trees
Aggressive root system competes heavily for nutrients and water
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of nearby plants including lilacs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally hardy, some susceptibility to powdery mildew
Common Pests
Lilac borer, scale insects, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial blight, leaf spot