Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'Arch McKean'
Arch McKean Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Reddish-purple to deep magenta, very fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to 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 vulgaris 'Arch McKean' is a lilac selection that flowers in mid to late spring with fragrant, magenta to deep purple panicles. The florets open from darker buds and form upright clusters that perfume the garden and attract early pollinators. Heart-shaped green leaves provide a lilac backdrop through summer.
The cultivar was named for lilac advocate Arch McKean of Grand Beach, Michigan. Introduced into commerce in the late 1980's, it is valued for saturated flower color, strong fragrance, and limited suckering, making it easier to keep as a defined shrub in borders and near patios.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Lupine · Firethorn · Red valerian · Blue oat grass · Rock rose · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
Feature ‘Arch McKean’ where its saturated magenta-purple flowers can provide a strong counterpoint to pale spring blooms elsewhere in the garden. Its limited suckering also helps preserve a more defined silhouette, making it especially effective as a substantial individual shrub within a mixed planting.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
