17 of 17 Items
17 of 17 Items
The lilac, Syringa vulgaris is a species of flowering plant belonging to the olive family, Oleaceae . It is native to the Balkan Peninsula and the wild species have scented flowers in pink to lilac shades. Breeding has extended the colour range through violets, purples, bluish hues and white.
Grown on its own roots it tends to be a multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree with a strong tendency to produce suckers. Over many years these can grow to form large thickets. In cultivation it is commonly grafted on to the privet rootstocks, although lilacs can be grown from cuttings and separated suckers.
For the best flower display, it is important to prune immediately after flowering. Regular deadheading will help avoid the tendency to flower every second year. Flowers are strongly attractive to bees and other insects.
They prefer full sun, reasonable drainage and soil that has a slightly acid to neutral pH
Garden cultivars grow to a maximum height of 4-5m, many to no more than around 3m.