Syringa vulgaris

Common Lilac

Family: Oleaceae

Origin: Southwest Asia and North Africa

Hardiness: Hardy below 0 degrees; most varieties need winter chill
Growth: Rapid growth to 10-15 feet with lesser spread
Form: Somewhat upright growth
Leaves: Pointed oval leaves with flat base; deciduous

Flowers: 10" fragrant flower clusters
in spring in lavender or white

Exposure: Does best in full sun

Water: Moderate water; withhold water in fall and winter but not during during bloom

Soil: Prefers alkaline soils
Fertilizer: Balanced NPK after bloom and pruning in the spring
Prune: Cut back flowers; thin new canes and oldest canes to ground
Problems: Powdery mildew, provide good air circulation

Bloom on last year's new growth; do not prune in the summer. Does well on the Central Coast in cooler coastal and inland valleys. Descanco hybrids were developed in southern California to do well with minimal winter chill. These include 'Lavender Lady', 'Angel White' and 'California Rose'.

© 1998 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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