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 Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 12-15 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 8-10+ Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Purple
- Bloom Time
- Mid-Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Common Lilac
- Also Known As
- Common Lilac
- Botanical Name
- Syringa vulgaris
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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
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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: 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!