Chinese Lilac is an upright, broad-spreading deciduous shrub with graceful arching branches that can gorw 10 to 12 feet tall and wide. Leaves are medium to dark green. Fragrant panicles of flowers appear in a profusion in May, and can be purple, white, or violet (depending on cultivar). Use in shrub or foundation borders, or as an informal hedge or screen. Attracts butterflies.
Grow in well drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a range of soil types, but best growth occurs in sandy-loam or clay-loam soils. Lilacs sometimes don't bloom, and it is usually because it was pruned too early or too late in the season, or it's getting too much nitrogen fertilizer. Lilacs bloom on old wood, so prune immediately after bloom, as buds for the following year begin to set practically as the flowers fade. For tips on pruning, see Guides.