Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'Lavender Lady'
Lavender Lady Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Pale lavender to purple, single, highly 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 'Lavender Lady' is a deciduous lilac that blooms in mid-spring, typically around mid-May, with abundant, fragrant clusters of pale lavender to purple flowers. Buds open along upright branches into large conical panicles that fill the air with lilac scent. Fresh green heart-shaped leaves follow the flowering period, keeping the plant ornamental beyond bloom.
This cultivar is noted in nursery and garden literature as a heat-tolerant selection of common lilac that will set buds and flower even in milder winter climates without prolonged cold. Its open, upright form suits use as a border specimen, hedge, or accent shrub. The abundant, sweetly scented blossoms in spring make it a popular choice for cutting and seasonal garden color.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Daylily · Ninebark · Coral bells · Switch grass · Creeping phlox · Bearded iris
Design tip
Make ‘Lavender Lady’ the spring highlight of a planting that carries its interest into later seasons. Its abundant lavender flower clusters create a concentrated burst of color in mid-spring, while surrounding shrubs and perennials can take over visually once the lilac settles into its quieter green summer phase.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
