How to grow lilac

How to grow lilacs

Lilacs, syringa, are classic garden shrubs and small trees that bear panicles of fragrant, tubular, single or double flowers in shades of purple, pink and white from late spring to early summer. The flowers are great for cutting and edible.

The most common lilac is Syringa vulgaris or wood lilac. It is part of the Oleaceae or olive family and is native to East Asia and Southeast Europe. It was much loved by the Edwardians and was widely grown in suburban gardens before going out of fashion. However, there is now a resurgence of interest in lilacs, as lilacs are hard to beat for their flowers and fragrance. There are many cultivars to choose from – some are perfect for small gardens or pots, while larger varieties can be grown as a stand-alone specimen in a lawn or at the back of a mixed border. Find more trees for smaller gardens.

Lilac varieties to grow

1. Syringa 'Red Pixie'

Syringa 'Red Pixie' is a small pink, with fragrant pink flowers that open from red buds. It often blooms again in late summer or fall. Perfect for a small garden, it can also grow in a large pot. Height x Spread: 1.8m x 1.8m

2. Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'

Syringa Mayeri 'Balipin' is a Korean lilac that bears panicles of fragrant, purple-pink flowers from late spring to early summer, with oval, dark green leaves. It is suitable for growing in a sunny ornamental border. Compact and slow growing, it is perfect for small gardens or growing in pots. H x S: 1.5m x 1.5m

3. Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose'

Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose' has white flowers that mature to creamy-yellow and have an exceptional pink fragrance. H x S: 3m x 3m

4. Syringa vulgaris Sensation'

Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation' is a stunning lilac with unusual, purplish-red flowers edged in white. H x S: 4m x 4m

5. Syringa vulgaris 'Katherine Havemeyer'

A spreading shrub with double, lavender-blue flowers set against heart-shaped leaves. H x S: 4m x 4m

6. Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine'

Bred by French breeder Victor Lemoine in 1890, a beautiful large double white flower, still going strong today. H x S: 7m x 7m

7. Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Jolly'

Stunning, double purple-red flowers. H x S: 4m x 4m