Syringa vulgaris is a common midwestern shrub with showy and highly fragrant May inflorescences. Common Lilac suffers from susceptibility to powdery mildew on the leaves by autumn that detract from its overall appeal.
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F E A T U R E S |
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Form
-medium to large shrub
-to 10' tall x 10' wide
-vase shaped to upright oval, becoming spreading with age
-medium growth rate |
Foliage
-dark green
-deciduous
-opposite
-narrow ovate to lanceolate
-glabrous, entire, and shiny
-often infested with powdery mildew by autumn
-autumn color green to yellowish green |
Flowers
-most are purple, but white and pink-violet forms exist
-6" erect to pendulous showy inflorescence, often arising in pairs from the terminal buds
-mostly single-flowering forms
-extremely fragrant |
Fruit
-winter persistent brown capsules on a fruiting stalk
-not ornamental |
Twig
-light brown to brown-gray
-lightly lenticeled
-buds moderately sized and tan |
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Trunk
-multi-stemmed or multi-trunked
-light brown and slightly furrowed |
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C U L T
U R E
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Culture
-full sun to partial shade
-adaptable to various soils and moderately stressful conditions
-needs a well-drained site
-moderate availability; B&B or container; much of the mainstream industry is growing species and hybrids that are less susceptible to powdery mildew |
Hardiness
-zones 3 to 5, depending on source
Origin
-native to Southern Europe
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U S A G E |
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Assets
-showy fragrant flowers in mid-May
-cold hardiness
Liabilities
-foliage infested with powdery mildew in late summer and autumn
-poor autumn color; becoming large and spreading with age
-suckering habit
-insect prone |
Function
-border, entranceway, or specimen shrub
-in rows or groups where ample space is provided
Texture
-medium in foliage and when bare |
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S E L
E C T I 0 N S |
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Varieties
and Cultivars
- Search
OSU PlantFacts for additional plants in this species
Alternates
-shrubs with showy mid-spring inflorescences
-shrubs with very fragrant flowers (e.g., Viburnum carlesii) |