Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Royalty Lilac (Syringa x josiflexa ‘Royalty’) brings dramatic, dark purple buds that open to lavender-toned clusters, gracing the garden with a delightful late-spring display. Each bloom fills the air with a sweet aroma, making it an irresistible choice for anyone who loves fragrant flowers. Growing about 8 to 10 feet tall, this lilac’s upright form provides privacy when planted as a hedge or backdrop along property lines. The lush, green leaves highlight the purple blossoms, adding a soothing contrast. Compared to other lilacs, it blooms slightly later, extending the lilac season in the landscape.
In addition to its stunning flowers, Royalty Lilac performs well under various conditions and is particularly deer resistant. It adapts to many soil types, though it thrives best in well-draining locations. Known for its resilience, it withstands chilly climates and flourishes even in USDA Zones as low as 3. Use it in mixed borders, near patios, or in containers for an elegant touch of color and fragrance. This hardy shrub also offers long-lasting cut flowers, so you can bring its lavender beauty indoors.
Royalty Lilac Care
Plant this lilac in full sun so it receives at least six hours of direct light daily. Moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter encourages robust growth and abundant blooming. Water consistently through the first season, aiming to keep the soil moderately damp without becoming soggy. Fertilizing once in early spring, using a balanced or lilac-specific formula, supports vigorous stems and healthy buds. Mulching around the base helps regulate soil temperature and conserves moisture.
Prune right after flowering, removing spent blooms and shaping any leggy branches. If rejuvenation is needed, cutting back older stems near the base can spur new growth and promote future blooms. Container-grown plants may need occasional thinning or pinching to maintain a tidy look. In colder regions, consider adding an extra layer of mulch in late autumn for added root protection.
Royalty Lilac Spacing
Allow around 6 to 8 feet between shrubs if planting a hedge or row, giving them room to mature without crowding. For stand-alone specimens, provide even more distance so the lilac’s upright habit remains a standout in the garden. A pot with a diameter of at least 16 inches accommodates the root system if growing it in a container. Transition to a larger container as the plant grows, ensuring it has enough space for healthy development.
Royalty Lilac Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 7 (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
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-8 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-6 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Deep purple to violet
- 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
- Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Royalty Lilac
- Also Known As
- Royalty Lilac
- Botanical Name
- Syringa vulgaris 'Royalty'
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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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.
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