Species

Syringa vulgarisLilac

9 other cultivars

shrub

President Lincoln Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'President Lincoln'

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.

'President Lincoln' is a historic American variety (introduced in 1916) celebrated for its single, fragrant flowers in a distinctive shade of Wedgwood blue, one of the truest blues found in lilacs.

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its unique, true blue flower color, a rarity among lilacs, combined with the classic, powerful lilac fragrance. Its tall, upright habit makes a strong statement in the spring garden.

Its tall, vigorous habit makes it suitable for creating privacy screens or informal hedges. The long stems are excellent for cutting.

Provides a rich source of nectar for early season pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds, when it is in full bloom.

SpeciesSyringa vulgarisLilac

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

120 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

Select a site with full sun and good air circulation.
Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the shrub so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole, water deeply, and mulch.
Prune immediately after the flowers have faded.

Pro Tip

The 'blue' color is most pronounced in slightly acidic soil; in more alkaline soils, the flowers may appear more lavender.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample sunlight for the best blooms.
Prune suckers from the base to maintain a clean shape.
Deadhead spent flowers to improve appearance and direct energy to the plant.
Ensure good air circulation to minimize mildew.

Don't

Don't plant in a location with wet feet or poor drainage.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can reduce flowering.
Don't prune after July, as you'll remove next year's flower buds.
Don't plant in a shady location.

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

Heirloom specimen for true blue spring colorFragrant addition to a mixed shrub borderTall, informal screen or hedge

Companion Plants

Narcissus spp.Paeonia lactiflora Kolkwitzia amabilis Weigela florida Deutzia gracilis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

President Lincoln Common Lilac questions

What zones can President Lincoln Common Lilac grow in?

President Lincoln 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 President Lincoln Common Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does President Lincoln Common Lilac bloom?

President Lincoln 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 President Lincoln Common Lilac need full sun?

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

Is President Lincoln Common Lilac drought tolerant?

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