Species

Syringa vulgarisLilac

9 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Madame Lemoine Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac, is a large, deciduous shrub beloved for its intensely fragrant, conical flower panicles that bloom in late spring. It often suckers to form a thicket and is a classic component of old-fashioned gardens.

'Madame Lemoine' is a historic French hybrid (Lemoine, 1890) renowned for its large, dense panicles of fragrant, double white flowers. It is considered one of the best double white lilacs available.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides an unforgettable sensory experience in spring with its stunningly beautiful and powerfully fragrant double white flowers. It's a timeless garden classic.

Makes an excellent, dense screen or informal hedge when allowed to sucker. The flowers are superb for cutting and bringing their fragrance indoors.

The flowers are a valuable nectar source for early butterflies and other pollinators. The dense shrubbery can provide cover and nesting sites for birds.

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

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Southeastern Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with good air circulation.
Plant in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Set the plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
Backfill with soil and water in well.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the stems.

Pro Tip

Ensure good air circulation by thinning out the center of the shrub after flowering to prevent powdery mildew.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering.
Prune right after blooming finishes.
Remove root suckers as they appear to maintain plant form.

Don't

Don't plant in acidic or wet soil.
Don't over-fertilize with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
Don't prune in summer or fall.

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

Classic fragrant specimen for spring interestInformal hedge or screening plantEssential component of a cottage or cut flower garden

Companion Plants

Paeonia Iris germanica Tulipa Aquilegia Deutzia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Madame Lemoine Lilac questions

What zones can Madame Lemoine Lilac grow in?

Madame Lemoine 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 Madame Lemoine Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does Madame Lemoine Lilac bloom?

Madame Lemoine 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 Madame Lemoine Lilac need full sun?

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

Is Madame Lemoine Lilac drought tolerant?

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