COMMON LILAC - Syringa vulgaris

COMMON LILAC Syringa vulgaris

green Outstanding Features:

Description:
Height: 10-12'
Width: 10-12'
Hardiness Zone: 3a

Common Lilac are large, round headed, somewhat coarse shrubs that are used frequently in the landscape as single specimens or as background screens. They are noted primarily for their showy, fragrant bloom. Flowers are borne on 5-6" long panicles and come in many colors ranging from white, pink, blue, lavender to reddish-purple. Double flowered forms are also available. Common lilac spreads by suckers and may take up a large space with time.

Requirements and Culture:
Common Lilac is not demanding of soil type. However, they do not tolerate poorly drained soils. They require full sun for best performance. Plant in area with good air circulation to reduce problems with powdery mildew. Requires renewal pruning to maintain desired height and improve form.

Limitations:
Many cultivars of Common Lilac are very susceptible to powdery mildew. Stem borers and oyster shell scale are also occasional problems.

Selected Cultivars:
'Adelaide Dunbar'- has semi-double purple-red flowers becoming more red as opens. Fairly resistant to mildew. Maintains good foliage quality.

'Charles Joly'- has double reddish-purple flowers. Fairly resistant to mildew and maintains good foliage quality throughout the season. Upright habit.

'Jan Van Tol'- has single white flowers. Fairly resistant to mildew.

'Katherine Havemeyer'- has double pink flowers. Fairly resistant to mildew. Good season long foliage quality.

'Marie Legraye'- has single white flowers.

'President Lincoln'- has single blue flowers.

Photo Credit: 1, 2 & 3 MLA. Photo 1 is 'Princess Alexander', 3 is 'Mme. Antoine Buchner'.

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