Species

Syringa vulgarisLilac

9 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Beauty of Moscow Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Beauty Of Moscow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac, is a large, upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub cherished for its intensely fragrant, conical flower panicles in late spring.

'Beauty of Moscow' (Krasavitsa Moskvy) is considered one of the finest lilacs in the world. It features elegant panicles of pale pink buds that open into highly fragrant, double, pure white florets, creating a beautiful two-tone effect.

Uses & Benefits:

This lilac is prized for its exceptionally beautiful and fragrant flowers. The transition from delicate pink buds to double white florets provides a stunning visual effect. It is a classic choice for bringing old-fashioned charm and intoxicating perfume to the spring garden.

When mature, it forms a large, dense shrub that can be used as an informal screen or hedge. The cut flowers are outstanding for bouquets, filling a home with their sweet scent.

The fragrant flowers are a rich source of nectar for butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. The dense structure of the shrub can provide cover and nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesSyringa vulgarisLilac

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived deciduous shrub

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 6 hours of full sun per day.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; lilacs hate wet feet.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the plant in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the main stems.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for maximum flower production.
Deadhead spent flowers promptly to promote energy for next year's blooms.
Prune out suckers from the base to maintain the desired shape.
Test soil and add lime if it is too acidic.

Don't

Don't plant in a shady or poorly drained location.
Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Do not prune after July, as you will cut off the flower buds for the next spring.
Don't allow the shrub to become a dense thicket; periodically remove old, unproductive stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Exquisite specimen plant for fragrance and bloomInformal hedge or privacy screenAnchor of a cottage garden or mixed border

Companion Plants

Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'Iris germanica 'Immortality'Clematis 'Jackmanii'Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low'Aquilegia vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Beauty of Moscow Lilac questions

What zones can Beauty of Moscow Lilac grow in?

Beauty of Moscow 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 Beauty of Moscow Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does Beauty of Moscow Lilac bloom?

Beauty of Moscow 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 Beauty of Moscow Lilac need full sun?

Beauty of Moscow Lilac does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Beauty of Moscow Lilac drought tolerant?

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