Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Common Lilac, also known as Syringa vulgaris, is a beautiful woody perennial. Tiny lavender flowers grow in cone-shaped clusters, creating an impressive display. The flowers are beautiful, but they are also very fragrant. The sweet-smelling blooms make this shrub a favorite with many gardeners. This springtime bloomer features bluish-green foliage that stays in place throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Use this shrub to create a privacy screen, hedge, or a focal point in a bed or border. Plant the Common Lilac near a window, door, or patio to enjoy the fragrant flowers. The blooms also make lovely cut flowers. The Common Lilac is easy to grow and does well with minimal care. This shrub is an excellent option to support bees.
Common Lilac Care
The Common Lilac needs approximately one inch of water per week. Rainfall is typically enough to support established plants, but you should water during a drought. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to cut down on weeds and retain moisture. Plant lilacs in rich, moist soil that is well-drained. This shrub needs full sun. Fertilize using a balanced plant food once in the late winter or early spring.
Shape the plant as needed after the flowers fade in late spring. The Common Lilac sets buds for the next year in the summer, so prune the plant before buds are set to ensure abundant flowers appear the following spring.
Common Lilac Spacing
The Common Lilac is a large shrub that will grow 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. Space Lilacs 6 feet apart on center when creating a hedge.
Common Lilac Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 12 - 15 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 8 - 12 Feet |
| Spacing: 8 - 12 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Purple |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: Spring |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: Bees |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Specimen or Focal Point |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Continuous Blooming or Rebloomer |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Common Lilac |
| Other Name(s): Common Lilac |
| Scientific Name: Syringa vulgaris |
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 31th |
| Zone 9 | March 31st |
| Zone 8 | April 7th |
| Zone 7 | April 14th |
| Zone 6b | April 21st |
| Zone 6a | April 28th |
| Zone 5b | May 5th |
| Zone 5a | May 12th |
| Zone 4 | May 19th |
| Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!