Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'My Favorite'
My Favorite Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Lavender-purple, fragrant panicles
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late 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 'My Favorite' is a traditional lilac known for fragrant, lavender-purple flower clusters that open in mid to late spring. Plump buds expand into full, conical panicles of single florets, creating a rich spring display that pairs well with the plant's fresh green, heart-shaped leaves as they emerge.
This cultivar is associated with Hulda Klager's lilac breeding and collection in Woodland, Washington, and is documented as a Klager introduction from 1928 in the International Lilac Society register. It remains a long-grown garden choice for dependable spring bloom and classic lilac perfume near patios, paths, and entry gardens, and for fresh-cut arrangements indoors during the peak of spring bloom.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Barberry · Butterfly bush · Feverfew · False sunflower · Chives · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
Make ‘My Favorite’ part of a succession of spring-flowering shrubs. Its mid to late spring lavender-purple blooms can bridge earlier flowering plants and those blooming closer to summer, extending seasonal color and keeping the garden from reaching its spring peak all at once.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
