Syringa vulgaris 'Lady Lucille'

Lady Lucille Lilac

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 10 to 12 ft
Width: 8 to 10 ft
Flower color: Soft lavender-pink to light pink, fragrant flower clusters
Foliage color: Medium green, 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 'Lady Lucille' is a classic lilac selection from American lilac breeder Hulda Klager, associated with the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland, Washington. Buds open to soft lavender-pink to light pink, single florets arranged in full, upright panicles above medium green, heart-shaped leaves, giving the shrub a traditional spring look.

Blooming in mid to late spring, the flower clusters carry a strong, sweet fragrance that perfumes paths and patios and draws early-season pollinators. 'Lady Lucille' fits well in mixed borders, cottage-style plantings, and cutting gardens where its long stems and classic lilac scent are most appreciated.

Works well in

Sun Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Yarrows · Caryopteris · Sea holly · Rock rose · Penstemon · Blue fescue

Design tip

Soften the transition between ‘Lady Lucille’s’ substantial shrub form with lower, billowing perennials at its base. The combination complements its traditional cottage-garden character while allowing the upright lavender-pink flower panicles to rise clearly above the planting.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.