Species

Syringa vulgarisLilac

9 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Monge Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Monge'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac, is a large, deciduous shrub cherished for generations for its toughness and intensely fragrant spring flowers. It often forms suckering colonies.

'Monge' is a classic French hybrid renowned for its large, single, deep reddish-purple florets held in dense panicles. The color is one of the darkest and richest among lilacs.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers one of the richest, deepest reddish-purple colors available in lilacs, combined with the classic, powerful fragrance that defines spring for many gardeners. The large flower trusses are spectacular.

Creates an effective seasonal screen or informal hedge. The flowers are superb for cutting and bringing their intoxicating scent indoors.

The fragrant flowers are a valuable food source for early butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The dense branching can provide nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesSyringa vulgarisLilac

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Balkan Peninsula (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun location for maximum flowering.
Provide well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.
Dig a generous hole and set the plant at its original growing depth.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune after blooming, removing spent flowers and shaping the plant.

Pro Tip

Rejuvenate older, overgrown lilacs by pruning one-third of the oldest stems to the ground each year for three years.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Prune immediately after flowering.
Remove suckers at the base as they appear.
Provide good air circulation to deter mildew.

Don't

Don't plant in a shady or wet location.
Avoid high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers near the root zone.
Don't wait until fall to prune.
Don't allow the plant to become a dense thicket of old wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic fragrant specimen for the spring gardenInformal hedge or background shrubSource of exceptional cut flowers

Companion Plants

Tulipa spp.Paeonia lactiflora Aquilegia vulgaris Spiraea x vanhouttei Philadelphus coronarius

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Monge Common Lilac questions

What zones can Monge Common Lilac grow in?

Monge Common 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 Monge Common Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does Monge Common Lilac bloom?

Monge Common Lilac typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Monge Common Lilac need full sun?

Monge Common Lilac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Monge Common Lilac drought tolerant?

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