Species

Syringa vulgarisLilac

9 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

President Grevy Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'President Grevy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac, is a large, deciduous shrub cherished for its intensely fragrant, conical flower clusters that herald the arrival of spring. It is a hardy, long-lived plant that often suckers to form a thicket.

'President Grevy' is a classic French hybrid known for its very large, dense panicles of fragrant, double, lavender-blue flowers. It is a reliable and vigorous bloomer, considered one of the best in its color class.

Uses & Benefits:

The 'President Grevy' lilac is a showstopper in the mid-spring garden, producing enormous, fragrant panicles of double lavender-blue flowers. Its classic, romantic appeal makes it a timeless choice for any garden seeking a burst of spring color and scent.

It can be grown as a large specimen shrub or planted in a row to form a beautiful and fragrant informal hedge or privacy screen. The flowers are superb for cutting and bringing their intoxicating fragrance indoors.

The nectar-rich flowers are a valuable food source for early-season butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. The dense branching structure 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

Medium

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived (50+ years)

Native To

Balkan Peninsula

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
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 shrub in the hole, with the crown at soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water in well.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the base of the stems.

Pro Tip

For the best blooms, plant lilacs in full sun and ensure the soil is neutral to slightly alkaline; add lime if your soil is acidic.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good air circulation to minimize powdery mildew.
Deadhead spent flower clusters right after blooming.
Prune out a few of the oldest, thickest stems at the base each year on mature plants.
Remove suckers from the base to maintain a tidy shape.

Don't

Do not plant in a shady spot; it will result in poor flowering.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which lead to leaves instead of flowers.
Do not prune in late summer, fall, or winter, or you'll remove flower buds.
Don't let the soil become waterlogged.

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

Fragrant anchor for a cottage garden borderClassic choice for a flowering hedge or screenStunning spring specimen plant

Companion Plants

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

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

President Grevy Lilac questions

What zones can President Grevy Lilac grow in?

President Grevy 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 Grevy Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does President Grevy Lilac bloom?

President Grevy 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 Grevy Lilac need full sun?

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