Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris ‘Firmament’
Firmament Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Clear sky-blue to pale blue, single, fragrant flower clusters, opening from pink buds
- Foliage color
- Medium to dark green, broadly heart-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late 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 vulgaris 'Firmament' is a classic common lilac valued for clear, pale lilac-blue flower trusses that open from pinkish buds and carry a sweet, traditional lilac fragrance. In mid to late spring, the single florets are borne in compact, upright panicles that read as "sky blue" in the garden, set against fresh green, heart-shaped leaves. The fragrant panicles are excellent for indoor bouquets.
This cultivar was introduced in 1932 by French breeder Victor Lemoine of Nancy, noted for expanding the color range of common lilacs. After bloom, the plant remains an attractive deciduous shrub with sturdy stems and tidy foliage that provides structure through summer before leaf drop in fall.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Catmint · Feather reed grass · Salvias · Coneflowers · Lavenders · Sedums
Design tip
Set ‘Firmament’ where its pale lilac-blue flowers can catch the softer light of morning or late afternoon, which brings out their cool blue tones. Dark green foliage nearby provides enough contrast to keep the unusually colored panicles distinct rather than letting them visually fade into the landscape.
