Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'Frank Klager'
Frank Klager Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Deep purple to rich violet, single, strongly fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- 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 'Frank Klager' is a common lilac grown for fragrant, single flowers in deep purple tones that open in mid to late spring. Full panicles appear at the branch tips, with darker buds expanding to richly colored florets that perfume the air and draw spring pollinators. Heart-shaped green leaves follow quickly after bloom, giving the plant a fresh, leafy presence through the rest of the season.
'Frank Klager' was developed by Hulda Klager in Woodland, Washington, and named for her husband, Frank Klager. It is recorded as a Klager introduction from 1928 and is often noted in lilac collections for its strong fragrance and dependable midseason flowering, making it a natural fit near paths, patios, and entry gardens where scent can be enjoyed.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Larkspur · Windflower · Hardy mum · Fountain grass · Candytuft · Columbine
Design tip
Create a sense of depth by placing ‘Frank Klager’ behind shrubs or perennials with lighter spring flowers. Its rich violet-purple panicles form a dark middle layer that makes paler blooms appear brighter while preventing the planting from looking flat.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
