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Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose' (Common lilac, French lilac)

Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose' Photo/Illustration: Andre Baranowski


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose' sih-RIN-gah vul-GAR-is Common Name: Common lilac, French lilac Genus: Syringa
This unique cultivar bears slightly fragrant, creamy yellowish blossoms in midseason. It forms a shrub 12 feet high by 8 feet wide.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Lilac flowers are beloved for bouquets, and when in bloom, hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to them. Lilacs are generally a forgiving bunch, tolerant of roadside sites and neglect. 
 Care: Grow in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil.  Promptly deadhead spent blossoms to produce more robust blooms for the following year. Prune lightly or renovate in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy framework, remembering that most species form flowers the previous season. Plant in areas with good air circulation to thwart disease.  Because lilacs are fire retardant, they can be considered for planting near homes that are susceptible to wildfires. Most lilacs require a period of chilling dormancy.
 Propagation: 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.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Fragrant Flowers; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Flowering Tree, Hedge, Naturalizing, Roadside, Screening
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest
Type Shrubs

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