Lilac, Common
At a Glance
Latin Name: Syringa vulgaris
Zones: 3-7
Mature Height/spread: Ranging in size from 6 to 32 ft tall, with stems up to 12“in diameter. 8 to 12 ft spread.
Climate: Prefers full sun, but partial shade is fine as well.
Soil: Lilacs will grow in a wide variety of soil types and prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. Lilacs need very little maintenance. They transplant very easily.
Notes: Aromatic purple flowers are produced in spring. Lilacs produce fragrant flowers in shades of lavender, deep purple and white that bloom primarily in May but the different varieties could prolong bloom time up to six weeks.
Lilac bushes can live for hundreds of years.
Spreading firewood ash around the drip line of the Lilac bush can help produce bigger and better blooms.
Wildlife: Lilacs are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. They also provide quality cover for a number of birds and small mammals.
Provides habitat for butterflies and bees.
Bare Root Purchase Size: 2-3 ft.
USDA NRCS Species Information