Species

Syringa vulgarisLilac

9 other cultivars

shrub

White Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Alba'

The Story

Plant Bio

Syringa vulgaris is the classic common lilac, a large, deciduous, suckering shrub cherished for its intensely fragrant, conical flower panicles that are a hallmark of late spring.

'Alba' is a timeless cultivar selected for its elegant panicles of pure white, single, highly fragrant flowers. It offers a crisp, clean look and classic lilac scent.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular, albeit brief, floral display in late spring with large, elegant panicles of pure white flowers. The intoxicating fragrance can perfume an entire garden. It serves as an excellent structural plant in a mixed border.

When planted in a row, common lilacs form a dense, informal hedge or privacy screen. The long-stemmed flowers are outstanding for cutting and bringing indoors for bouquets.

The nectar-rich flowers are a valuable food source for early-season butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. 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

108 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Average

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Southeastern Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
Choose well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch the root zone.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent air circulation by thinning out interior branches after flowering to significantly reduce the incidence of powdery mildew later in the season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best flower production.
Prune right after blooming is complete.
Remove root suckers as they appear to prevent spreading.
Ensure soil is well-drained.

Don't

Do not plant in a shady location, which will result in few or no flowers.
Avoid pruning in late summer, fall, or winter, as this removes flower buds.
Don't overwater or plant in soggy soil.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage leaves at the expense of flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic fragrant hedge or screenElegant specimen plant for spring bloomAnchor for a cottage garden border

Companion Plants

Paeonia 'Festiva Maxima'Spiraea x vanhouttei Iris germanica Aquilegia vulgaris Deutzia gracilis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Common Lilac questions

What zones can White Common Lilac grow in?

White 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 White Common Lilac deer resistant?

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

When does White Common Lilac bloom?

White 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 White Common Lilac need full sun?

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

Is White Common Lilac drought tolerant?

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