Species

Syringa vulgarisLilac

9 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa vulgaris is a classic, large deciduous shrub beloved for its intensely fragrant, conical flower panicles in spring and its heart-shaped leaves.

'Charles Joly' is a renowned French hybrid from 1896, featuring highly fragrant, double, deep magenta-purple flowers that are excellent for cutting.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular, multi-sensory spring display with large, dense panicles of deep magenta, double flowers that are intensely fragrant. Its classic form makes it a garden staple.

Can be planted as an informal hedge or screen, providing privacy during the growing season. The flowers are superb for cutting and bringing their heady fragrance indoors.

The fragrant flowers are a valuable nectar source for early-season butterflies and other pollinators. The dense branching can offer cover 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

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Balkan Peninsula

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure the soil is well-drained and preferably neutral to alkaline.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the shrub in the hole, setting it at the same depth it was growing.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

Pro Tip

Plant lilacs in a location with excellent air circulation to significantly reduce the incidence of powdery mildew on the leaves.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flower production.
Prune right after flowering finishes.
Remove root suckers as they appear to maintain plant shape.
Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Don't

Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter; you'll cut off flower buds.
Avoid planting in acidic soil without amending with lime.
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
Don't plant in a low-lying, wet spot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Intensely fragrant specimen shrubClassic cottage garden background plantInformal flowering hedge or screen

Companion Plants

Paeonia lactiflora Iris germanica Clematis 'Jackmanii'Weigela florida Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Lilac questions

What zones can Common Lilac grow in?

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 Common Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does Common Lilac bloom?

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

Does Common Lilac need full sun?

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