Mount Baker Lilac

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

12 - 15 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Lilacs are classic shrubs for gardens around the world, largely for their fragrance. Mount Baker Lilac (Syringa x hyacinthiflora Mount Baker) offers that lovely lilac fragrance in a pure white flower. This lilac blooms early, typically in late spring. With its height (up to 15 feet at maturity) and spread of nearly 12 feet, use this gorgeous plant as an aromatic border screen. Or just feature it near the front of your home or your back deck or patio.

Mount Baker works well as a privacy screen or border because of its large and dense growth. The flower stems are about 6 inches long and are filled with small white single flowers. They contrast well with the deep green leaves. Small birds and some pollinating insects will visit the flowers. This lilac can bloom and shine in full or part sun in zones 4 through 8, another plus.

Mount Baker Lilac Care

Place your Mount Baker where it can get at least 4 hours of sun a day and up to full sun. Be sure to pick a spot with plenty of room up and across to let it grow to its full potential. It will grow best in soil that remains somewhat moist but that drains water well. They prefer soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline in pH. 

Water the lilac well after planting and fairly regularly after that. Just be sure the soil is draining water so that it doesn’t puddle. After it is established, which can take a few years, fertilize annually with an all-purpose fertilizer for shrubs. Avoid applying nitrogen-heavy lawn fertilizers near the plant; they will cause more leaves to grow but fewer flowers. Deadhead flower clusters after they fade and prune as needed in late winter.  

Mount Baker Lilac Spacing

This is a large shrub that needs air circulation and room to grow. Be sure to plant each about 10 feet from one another. Also consider its spread and height when planting in front of a home.