💜 Lilac: Growing Guide
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −30 to 28 °C (−22 to 82 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 300 cm (118 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Syringa vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Category | Ornamental Shrubs |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 300 cm (118 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −30 to 28 °C (−22 to 82 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 200–700 cm (79–276 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Growing tips
Unforgettable fragrance. Charles Joly, Sensation and Madame Lemoine. Perennial.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Lilac: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Lilac: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Lilac: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 300 cm (118 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Lilac: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Lilac: which plants grow well with it?
Rose, Peony.
Lilac: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Lilac borer, Powdery mildew.
Plan your garden
Add Lilac to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
Open the free planner →