Syringa Sp
Common Name(s):
Common Lilac
Persian lilac
Synonym:
Lilacum
Lilac
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
May
to:
May
Tubular, 4-lobed, lilac to purple flowers (each to 1/3" long) which bloom in large conical to narrow-pyramidal panicles (to 6-8" long).
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Oleaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Green
The leaves are simple, ovate to broadly ovate, and five to twelve centimeters long.
Fall Color?
NO
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Common lilac is native of Europe, introduced and naturalized in the United States.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
8-12'
Spread:
6-12'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Rocky slopes, woodlands, scrublands
Soil:
Prefers moist, fertile, organically rich, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with good drainage. Avoid soggy soils.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
Shredded bark, compost, pine bark fines
Needs full sun, loamy, organic-rich soil, slightly alkaline, water only during dry spells, can feed organic granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants in spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Make sure plant has enough mulch, may need to deep water again before ground is ffrozen
Spring:
Prune as needed immediately after flowering. To the extent practicable, promptly remove faded flower panicles before seed set. It is of vital importance to do this. Allowing the flower heads to go to seed greatly weakens the plant.
Summer:
Promptly remove root suckers, particularly on grafted plants, to maintain plant appearance and prevent unwanted colonial spread.
Fall:
Raking and destroying mildewed leaves, deep water before ground freezes, mulch
General Care Comments:
Best grown in cool summer climates. Not recommended for planting hot and humid conditions
Common Problems
Suckering, Powdery mildew frequently attacks in summer. It can seriously affect the appearance of the foliage (unsightly whitish-gray patches begin to develop on the leaves in summer), but generally does little permanent damage to the shrub.
Diseases:
Insects:
Lilac borers, leaf miners, Oystershell scale, root weevils
Environmental Problems:
Should be planted in areas with good air circulation to reduce problems with powdery mildew.
Pests:
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