Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'Carley'
Carley Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 12 ft
- Width
- 8 to 10 ft
- Flower color
- Pure white, opening from creamy buds
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late 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 'Carley' is a common lilac selection that blooms in mid to late spring with fragrant, single white florets held in full, upright panicles. Buds often show a faint blush before opening, and the clean, pale flower clusters stand out well against the fresh green, heart-shaped leaves that follow quickly after bloom.
'Carley' is credited to Theodore Havemeyer and is commonly dated to 1953. The cultivar name honors a family member, and it has been grown for decades in lilac collections for its dependable spring flowering and classic lilac perfume. It suits borders and planting areas near paths or seating where the fragrance can be enjoyed at close range.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Tulips · Bluebeard · Feverfew · Larkspur · Sea thrifts · Beautyberry
Design tip
Let ‘Carley’s’ crisp white flower clusters serve as a visual reset among the stronger colors of the spring garden. Positioned between shrubs flowering in pink, purple, or blue, its neutral blooms can separate competing colors while tying the overall planting together.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
