Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Declaration’
Declaration Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 ft
- Width
- 6 to 10 ft
- Flower color
- Reddish-purple to deep rose-purple, fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Medium to dark green, broadly heart-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Moderate; prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove spent clusters
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Declaration' is an early-season lilac with large, fragrant panicles packed with deep reddish-purple, single florets. Buds open to richly colored clusters that read as red-purple to purple, while fresh green, heart-shaped leaves provide a clean backdrop through summer. New growth may show a brief bronzy flush before turning green.
Flowers are carried on sturdy stems in dense terminal clusters suited to cutting and spring displays. 'Declaration' was selected and introduced through the U.S. National Arboretum for heavy flowering, rich color, and good foliage quality, with some plants developing burgundy to purple tones in fall and dependable mildew resistance in landscape plantings.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Phlox · Pittosporum · Hardy mums · Feather reed grass · Cranesbill · Butterfly bush
Design tip
Give ‘Declaration’ a prominent role where its foliage can contribute beyond the spring bloom. Bronzy new growth, clean green summer leaves, and occasional burgundy-purple fall color provide subtle seasonal transitions that complement its concentrated display of deep reddish-purple flowers.
