Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6', 12-25'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Lavender, Pink, Purple, White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Specimen, Standard

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Wind Break, Fire Resistant

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Common Lilac grow to a heights ranging from 8 to 18 feet, and equally wide, depending on cultivar. The dark green leaves are roundish, oval and pointed. In the spring, clusters of fragrant flowers are borne. The plant requires full sun for proper growth. Lilacs are available in a range of colors in the whites, pinks, mauves, violets, and purples. Once established, lilacs are tough shrubs and make great backgrounds.

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.