Also known as Lilac · 1.7k saves
Syringa
Syringa, the genus most gardeners know as lilac. We track 49 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Syringa varieties
See all 49 Syringa varieties →Search this genus →
6 species of Syringa
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Syringa in Sow
Save the Syringa you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Syringa
Whats common across all Syringa varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Syringa year
- PruneMay100% of varieties
Remove spent blooms and shape shrub immediately after flowering
- FertilizeMarch83% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer or compost in late winter/early spring
- MulchMarch45% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to conserve moisture
- Check for PestsMay–July40% of varieties
Monitor for powdery mildew (humid conditions) and lilac borers.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October38% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall to allow root establishment.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Provide full sun for best flowering.
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Provide full sun for the best flower production.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
- Don't over-fertilize with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
What goes wrong with Syringa
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Lilac Borer | Sawdust-like frass near holes in the lower trunk; branch dieback. | Prune and destroy infested branches. Apply permethrin-based insecticide to the trunk in spring to prevent new infestations. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems; sticky honeydew leading to sooty mold. | Spray with horticultural oil during the dormant season. Use systemic insecticides for severe cases. |
| Scale insects | Small bumps on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil during dormant season |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery coating on leaves, especially in late summer. | Improve air circulation. Apply neem oil or a potassium bicarbonate solution. Use a commercial fungicide if severe. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Ensure good air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and improve air flow |
Making more Syringa
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 6-inch cuttings from new growth in late spring.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a mix of perlite and peat moss.
- Keep moist and humid; roots form in 6-8 weeks.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Maintain humidity and keep soil moist.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Syringa questions
How many types of Syringa are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 49 distinct Syringa varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.7k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Syringa grow in?
Across its varieties, Syringa covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Syringa bloom?
Most Syringa varieties bloom in mid-spring, late spring, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Syringa should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.