Common Purple Lilac
Common Purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is one of the best Lilac bushes, and in fact, most other Lilac selections get are rooted on the Common Lilac roots! It was brought from Europe in the 1700s and was bred extensively to come up with many new selections still being grown today.
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The beautiful and fragrant blooms of the common purple Lilac are one of its most attractive features. Lilac flowers typically bloom in the spring, usually around May, and can last for several weeks. The flowers are arranged in large clusters that can be up to a foot long and are made up of numerous small individual blossoms.

The fragrance of Lilac flowers is sweet and intoxicating, making it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements and as a fragrance in perfumes and candles. The scent is often described as floral, with notes of honey, vanilla, and almond. The fragrance is most potent in the early morning and evening, making it a perfect plant to place near windows or patios to enjoy the scent.
In addition to the purple blooms, Lilacs can also produce white or pink flowers, depending on the variety. Some cultivars even produce multiple colors on a single plant. The flowers are also attractive to the eye, with their delicate petals and vibrant colors, adding a beautiful aesthetic to any yard.
Overall, the beauty and fragrance of the common purple Lilac are unmatched, making it an excellent choice for any yard looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Give Common Purple Lilac plenty of room to develop into its full size. This one wants to grow into a wonderful rounded deciduous shrub for you! This wonderful variety will look fantastic as a big, bold untrimmed hedge or screening plant in open sunny locations. Plant them 3-4 feet apart (measuring from the center of one to the center of the next) for a tight hedge.
Zone 3-7
10 Reason to Plant a Lilac Bush in your Yard
- Beautiful and Fragrant Blooms: The common purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is renowned for its beautiful and fragrant blooms. The blooms are typically purple, but can also come in white or pink.
- Easy to Grow: The common purple Lilac is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. It is also adaptable to a wide range of soil types and conditions.
- Long-Lived: Lilacs can live for many years with proper care, and can continue to produce blooms year after year.
- Attracts Bees and Butterflies: The sweet fragrance of Lilacs attracts bees and butterflies to your yard, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Lilacs require very little maintenance. They do not need to be pruned or fertilized regularly, making them an excellent choice for a low-maintenance yard.
- Provides Shade: The Lilac bush can provide a small amount of shade for other plants in your garden or for people relaxing in your yard.
- Wildlife Habitat: Lilacs can provide habitat for wildlife such as birds and squirrels. They also attract beneficial insects to your yard.
- Edible Flowers: Lilac flowers can be used to make syrup, jelly, or added to baked goods for a unique flavor.
- Versatile: Lilacs can be grown as a hedge or as a standalone plant, and can be used to create a focal point in your yard.
- Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Lilacs can tolerate periods of drought, making them an excellent choice for yards in areas with low rainfall or water restrictions.

Common Purple Lilac