Monge Lilac

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10 - 12 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 7

With its ornate and fragrant blooms, the Monge Lilac is hard to beat. In May, this Syringa vulgaris produces wonderfully scented red-purple flower spikes that look equally good when either left on the plant or cut for a vase. Due to its eventual height of 10 to 12 feet, the Monge Lilac will make a bold statement in your garden. 

Producing an upright form, you will not have to worry about the Monge Lilac sprawling over other plants. Butterflies and hummingbirds love this shrub when it is in bloom, and thankfully it is usually left alone by the deer. Even though this lilac is deciduous, it is a vigorous grower when given the right conditions. The Monge Lilac is a perfect addition to the back of a bed or a border and can even be planted in a row for an attractive and informal hedge. 

Monge Lilac Care

For the best blooms, this Monge Lilac likes to be grown in full sun. However, it will also tolerate some light shade but at the expense of its flowers. As with all lilacs, it prefers a well-drained soil that is neutral or alkaline and ideally fertile. Regular watering upon planting and until established is recommended. When grown in rich soil, fertilizing is not strictly necessary. However, for poorer soils, you can sparingly add a balanced fertilizer in spring. 

To prevent losing the following years' blooms, any pruning and deadheading should be performed immediately after flowering. Pruning up to one-third of the oldest stems back to ground level will help encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding.

Monge Lilac Spacing

When mature, the Monge Lilac can reach 10 to 12 feet tall and a spread of 8 to 12 feet. To promote good air circulation and help prevent mildew, a plant spacing of 12 feet is recommended.