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Genus Syringa (Lilac)

Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose' Photo/Illustration: Andre Baranowski

sih-RIN-gah

Common Name: Lilac

Syringa are classic garden shrubs and small trees that bear deliciously fragrant, tubular flowers which capture the essence of spring. Out of bloom, they often fade into the background. Some species are grown as specimens or in groups in the lawn or shrub border; they also form a good privacy hedge. The flowers are beloved for bouquets, and when in bloom, hummingbirds and butterflies adorn them.
Noteworthy characteristics: Lilacs bear colorful panicles of tubular flowers which exude an exquisite and unique fragrance of their own. Lilacs are generally a forgiving bunch, tolerant of roadside sites and neglect. Most lilacs require a period of chilling dormancy. Because they are fire-retardant, they can be considered for planting near homes that are susceptible to wildfires.
Care: Grow in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Plant in areas with good air circulation to thwart disease. Promptly deadhead spent blossoms to produce more robust blooms for the following year. Prune lightly (or renovate S. vulgaris) in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy framework, remembering that most species form flowers on the previous season's growth.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame when fresh or in the spring. Take softwood cuttings or layer in early summer. Graft in winter; bud in summer.
Problems: Powdery mildew, dieback, leafroll virus, mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO), root knot nematode, Verticillium wilt, witches' broom, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, borers, scale, caterpillars.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Syringa

Syringa 'Bailina'
(Thumbelina lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

From the Fairytail series of dwarf lilacs, this petite cultivar bears single, light pink flowers in mid- to late season. It has a rounded, compact habit, 6 feet high by 5 feet wide. It shows good resistance to powdery mildew.

Syringa × chinensis
(Chinese lilac, Rouen lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This fragrant hybrid (S. persica × S. vulgaris) has slightly nodding, 6-inch-long clusters of lilac-purple flowers. It forms a spreading shrub, 15 feet tall and wide.

Syringa × chinensis 'Lilac Sunday'
(Chinese lilac, Rouen lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This fragrant hybrid (S. persica × S. vulgaris) produces slightly nodding light-purple flower clusters to 6 inches long in midseason. It forms a spreading shrub, 12 feet tall and wide, and shows good disease resistance.

Syringa × hyacinthiflora 'Mount Baker'
(Lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This early flowering hybrid produces fragrant, single white flowers. It forms a shrub 8 feet high by 10 feet wide, and exhibits autumn coloring. This hybrid and its offspring show some disease resistance.

Syringa × laciniata
(Cut-leaf lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This graceful hybrid produces fragrant, pale lilac flower clusters up to 4 inches long in late spring. The difference this lilac offers is its airy, finely textured foliage. It forms a spreading shrub 6 feet to 8 feet tall and wide.

Syringa × prestoniae 'Miss Canada'
(Preston lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This hardy, late-flowering hybrid bears perfumed rose-pink buds opening to pink flowers. It forms a shrub 10 feet high by 8 feet wide.

Syringa pubescens
(Lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This species has an untraditional, spicy fragrance, and it is one of the most strongly scented lilacs. In midseason, it bears single, white-throated, pale purple flowers that open to white. It forms a shrub 10 feet high by 10 feet wide.

Syringa pubescens ssp. microphylla 'Superba'
(Littleleaf lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This fragrant cultivar bears single rose-pink flowers in midseason, which often rebloom in late summer or autumn. It forms a shrub 6 feet high by 10 feet wide.

Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim'
(Manchurian lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This strongly fragrant cultivar bears single light purple flowers in mid- to late season, and it exhibits maroon autumn foliage. It forms a compact shrub 8 feet high by 8 feet wide.

Syringa vulgaris 'Henri Robert'
(Common lilac, French lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This cultivar has double bluish-purple flowers that open from violet buds in midseason. It forms a shrub 12 feet high by 8 feet wide.

Syringa vulgaris 'Krasavitsa Moskvy'
(Common lilac, French lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This cultivar has double opalescent pink flower buds that open to white in midseason. The flowers are very fragrant. It forms a shrub 12 feet high by 8 feet wide.

Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose'
(Common lilac, French lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This unique cultivar bears slightly fragrant, creamy yellowish blossoms in midseason. It forms a shrub 12 feet high by 8 feet wide.

Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation'
(Common lilac, French lilac) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

In midseason this unique cultivar bears slightly fragrant, single purple blossoms with distinct white margins. It forms a shrub 12 feet high by 8 feet wide.