Species

1 other cultivar

‘Yankee Doodle’Yankee Doodle Lilac

shrub RHS Award

Miss Canada Lilac

Syringa x prestoniae 'Miss Canada'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa x prestoniae, known as Preston lilacs, are late-blooming, extremely hardy hybrids developed in Canada. They bloom about two weeks after common lilacs, extending the season.

'Miss Canada' is a standout cultivar prized for its upright, non-suckering habit and large panicles of fragrant, bright rosy-pink flowers that do not fade to white.

Uses & Benefits:

Extends the lilac season with its large trusses of vibrant, fragrant, rosy-pink flowers that bloom after common lilacs. The upright, clean habit is attractive year-round.

Its dense, upright, and non-suckering habit makes it an excellent choice for an informal hedge or privacy screen that won't spread out of bounds.

The late spring flowers provide a nectar source for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, bridging the gap between early and mid-summer blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid origin (Canada)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours).
Plant in average, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill, firm the soil, and water deeply.
Prune only as needed to shape, immediately after flowers fade.

Pro Tip

Use this lilac to extend the bloom season in your garden, as it flowers about two weeks after common lilacs have finished.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flower production.
Deadhead spent flower trusses to direct energy into the plant.
Water during prolonged dry spells.
Appreciate its non-suckering habit.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
Avoid pruning late in the season, as this removes next year's flower buds.
Don't over-fertilize, especially with nitrogen.
Don't plant in a shady spot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Late-season flowering specimen shrubInformal hedge or privacy screenFragrant accent for mixed borders

Companion Plants

Clematis spp.Iris germanica Rosa spp.Philadelphus coronarius Deutzia gracilis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Miss Canada Lilac questions

What zones can Miss Canada Lilac grow in?

Miss Canada Lilac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Miss Canada Lilac deer resistant?

Yes — Miss Canada Lilac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Miss Canada Lilac bloom?

Miss Canada Lilac typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Miss Canada Lilac need full sun?

Miss Canada Lilac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Miss Canada Lilac drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Miss Canada Lilac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.