Lilac Shrubs
Uses:
- Garden Borders & Hedges
- Container Gardens
- Focal Point or Specimen Plant
Features:
- Very Fragrant Flowers
- Early Season Blooms
- Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 2-8
- What is My Zone?
Lilac shrubs are commonly grown for their very fragrant flowers that bloom every spring. The popular shrubs are low maintenance and easy to care for once established.
Why Buy Lilac Shrubs Online
Lilacs are shrubs with heavenly scented flowers that arrive in early spring. The species (Syringa vulgaris) is part of the olive family Oleaceae. The plants are native to native to the Balkan Peninsula. However, these plants are not aggressive and not considered invasive. These can also be called common lilac.
Lilac flowers arrive in early spring and last for several weeks providing an immense fragrance during that time. The flowers are small tubular florets that can be white, purple or pink. There are now varieties we offer that rebloom (not as prolific as the initial bloom) in early summer.
The Best Way To Use Lilac Bushes
These ornamental plants are very common in parks and commercial areas because of the sweet smelling flowers that arrive before many other flowering plants. Lilacs are also very commonly grown by homeowners because they are low maintenance. Lilacs are winter hardy in growing zones 2 to 8. The plants will grow from 2 to 8 feet tall in a mounded habit. The produce the most flowers when growing in full sunlight, but can handle partial shaded areas. Well drained soil is a must.
Gardeners can plant these into a hedge, border, in mass plantings or even in garden planters. These plants are also great for pollinators including bees, hummingbirds and other insects.
Heavenly scented flowers in spring
Low maintenance shrubs
Pink, white and purple flowers available
2 to 8 feet tall
Growing zones 2 to 8
About Lilac Shrubs
Genus
Species
Family
Syringa
Syringa vulgaris, Syringa pubescens, Syringa oblata, Syringa villosa, Syringa meyeri, Syringa pekinensis, Syringa protolaciniata, Syringa josiflexa, Syringa pinnatifolia, Syringa reticulata, Syringa komarowii, Syringa yunnanensis
Oleaceae
Common Names:
Native To:
Europe, Asia
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flower Color:
Purple, Pink, White, Lavender, Magenta
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Spreading, Upright
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Tolerates:
Cold, Wind
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Lilac shrubs In The Garden
Lilac shrubs are cherished for their intoxicating fragrance and dense clusters of flowers, which range in color from soft lavender to deep purple and even creamy white. Their robust growth and hardy nature make them a reliable choice for a variety of climates. These shrubs typically bloom in late spring, offering a burst of color and scent that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. With proper pruning after flowering, lilacs can maintain their shape and produce consistent blooms year after year.
In As a landscape feature, lilac shrubs can be used to create natural hedges, offering privacy and a seasonal visual highlight. They also make excellent standalone specimens, providing a dramatic focal point in open spaces. Smaller varieties can be incorporated into mixed borders or used to frame entryways. Their ability to blend well with perennials and other shrubs ensures their place in both traditional and modern designs.
Lilac Shrubs Care
Lilacs require well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. Plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, as this promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Fertilize in early spring using a balanced formula or one with a higher phosphorus content to encourage flowering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature without letting it touch the stems.
Pruning should be done immediately after the blooming period to maintain shape and encourage next season’s flowers. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as this may remove buds for the following year. In colder climates, add a layer of mulch around the base in winter for added root protection. Lilacs can be grown in containers with well-draining potting soil but check root growth annually and repot if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Learn More About Lilac Shrubs
Lilac Companion Plants
There are many options when choosing what to plant next to lilacs. We recommend finding plants that bloom after spring, since lilacs steal the show early in the growing season. Find other plants that can tolerate full sun conditions and are also low maintenance so you have year round interest. If you are feeling very adventurous, you can plant a clematis next to it and let it climb the shrub. The clematis will provide blooms when the lilac is done flowering for the year. Here are some of our favorites:
