Common Purple Lilac

The Common Purple Lilac has for generations been cherished by gardeners for it’s fragrant purple blossoms and its ability to create a lush green wall. Technically a multi-stemmed shrub, this Lilac grows vigorously and flowers in late spring. Their conical clusters of florets have a tube-shaped base with four spreading petal lobes. The leaves are smooth, dark green, heart shaped and bud out prior to the flowers. The Common Purple Lilac is quite hardy, deer resistant and requires very little care. They are excellent for hedges along the border of a property line or as a windbreak but can also be planted as a single specimen.

Description

Description

Additional information
Common Name

Common Purple Lilac

Latin Name

Syringa vulgaris

Form

Shrub

Life Span

100+

Growth Rate

Medium

Mature Height

3.5m

Mature Spread

2.5m

Flower Colour

Purple

Fragrance

Strongly Fragrant

Fall Colour

Unremarkable

Soil Preference

Widely adaptable but will not tolerate standing water

Exposure Preference

Full sun

Cold Hardiness Zone

Zone 3

Special Attributes and Considerations

Plant up wind of a window or pathway where the fragrant blooms can be enjoyed. Will spread by basal sprouting.

Folk Lore

The Common Purple Lilac’s native range is in Balkans in South Eastern Europe. From there it spread to northern Europe as a favourite for gardeners. It was one of the most common plants brought to the prairies by our European settlers. In days gone by the expression, “Be ready to cut hay 40 days after the lilacs flower” was used as a simple schedule reminder.
The flowers of lilacs are edible and are used in the flavouring of honey and baked treats.

Available Sizes

150cm