PSC 2620: Woody Trees and ShrubCourse HomeWeek 2

Syringa x vulgaris - Common Lilac

Plant Viewer
Capsule appear once the flowers are spent and are visible throughout the fall and winter. Image: Wikipedia.org, Samenstand Flieder Large panicles of fragrant blossoms appear in early spring. Image: Wikipedia.org, Samenstand Flieder
The leaf of Syringa x vulgaris is broad and ovate, 3-5 inches long. The leaves can be slightly cordate at their base.

Plant Description

Although overused in the past, Lilac has plenty of good qualities to always warrant its consideration for inclusion in a landscape. It is more famous for its powerful fragrance when in full bloom. Showy blossoms occur on large panicles in the early spring and are very showy. Following the blossoms, fruit capsules appear on the panicles. Lilacs are easily identifiable throughout the year (even in winter) by these fruit clusters. Blossoming occurs on old growth, so pruning is best done shortly after the blooms have faded.

A large shrub (10-15 feet tall and wide), Lilac is vigorous and can become invasive is suckers are allowed to spread. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. The stems have a smooth, light grey bark. The bush will become very woody with thin foliage at the base over time, though vigilant thinning can lead to the The dark green, ovate leaves are arranged oppositely on the stems. The leaves tend to fold along the central vein, a trait that is exaggerated when the plant is under-watered or stressed.

Landscape Use

Excellent has a hedge or screen or at the back of large shrub borders. Smaller cultivars are suitable for use in planting beds.

Points of interest

Lilacs are susceptible to aphids and powdery mildew. .

Notable Cultivars

Alba: A large white cultivar with a good scent. 10 feet tall. Image: Wikipedia.org


Ludwig Spaeth: Bright purple flowers and an excellent smell. 10-12 feet high and 6-8 feet wide.


Charles Joly: Hot pink or magenta blooms. 10 feet tall and wide. Image: Wikipedia.org


Sensation: A popular variety with bicolored purple flowers with white edges. 10 feet tall.


President Lincoln: Nearly true blue blossoms have made this a consistently popular variety. Reaches 8 feet high with a slightly larger width.


Syringa meyeri Palibin: Dwarf Korean Lilac- A dwarf form of lilac with very fragrant light pink blossoms. Grows only 4-5 feet tall and wide.