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Large fragrant bouquets of purple flowers make this shrub the queen of spring in the northern garden.

Latin Name

Syringa vulgaris


Family

Oleaceae


Type of Plant

Shrubs Shrubs

Bloom Season

April - May

Seasons

Spring Spring

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 16'
Max spread Max Spread: 12'

Uses

  • Hedge
  • Ornamental

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Sun Part Sun

    Tolerances

  • Rabbit
  • Deer
  • Clay Soil

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Butterflies Butterflies
    Hummingbirds Hummingbirds

    Colors


    Native Range

    Southeastern Europe


    History

    Washington planted a number of lilacs around his home.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator
    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden Bowling Green

  • Upper Garden
  • Bowling Green

  • Hardiness Zones

    3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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