Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Grown for its stunningly beautiful and fragrant flowers, Royal Purple Lilac is a firm favorite. Syringa X hyacinthiflora Royal Purple, as it is botanically named, is a large deciduous shrub that can grow to around 12 to 15 feet high. Producing large panicles of heavenly scented, double flowers in May, Royal Purple Lilac just has to be smelled to be believed. As a cold hardy shrub with good mildew resistance, this lilac grows pretty much trouble-free.
Over time, the Royal Purple Lilac develops a multi-stemmed upright and spreading habit of bright green foliage. Being fairly deer resistant, it is a great choice for rural landscapes that can accommodate its eventual size. Often grown as a specimen shrub at the back of a border, Royal Purple Lilac is also suitable for providing an informal screen or hedge.
Royal Purple Lilac Care
Although the Royal Purple Lilac can tolerate some light shade, it blooms best when it is grown in full sun. It is happiest when planted in well-drained soil that is neutral or alkaline. Being a hardy shrub, this lilac is suitable for growing in zones 3 to 8. In general, lilacs do not need a lot of nutrients or fertilizer. However, to encourage its show-stopping flowers, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring.
The Royal Purple Lilac requires minimal pruning and is often just pruned for shape and size as required. To avoid removing the following season’s flowers, any pruning is best performed immediately after the flowers have faded. However, any dead or diseased branches can be removed at any time of the year.
Royal Purple Lilac Spacing
When mature, the Royal Purple Lilac can reach a size of 12 to 15 feet tall by 8 to 12 feet wide. In order to provide good air circulation, a spacing of 8 to 10 feet between plants is advisable.
Royal Purple 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
- , Spreading, Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Dark 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
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Royal Purple Lilac
- Also Known As
- Royal Purple Lilac
- Botanical Name
- Syringa X hya. 'Royal Purple'
- 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
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, 2026 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.
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!