Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'Nadezhda'
Nadezhda Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Pale blue to soft blue-lavender, double, highly fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- 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 'Nadezhda' is a Russian lilac cultivar selected by breeder Leonid Kolesnikov; its name translates to "hope." In late spring, mauve pink buds open into full, double florets that read lilac-blue to blue-lavender, often showing a two-tone effect as the flowers expand. Conical clusters are generous and fragrant, making this a fine choice for cutting.
After bloom, the plant carries clean green foliage that provides a tidy backdrop through summer. The double flowers tend to hold their form well, with individual petals giving each floret a softly layered look. Planted where fragrance can be appreciated, 'Nadezhda' offers a classic lilac season with refined color and abundant bloom.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Manzanita · California lilac · Poppy · Foxtail lily · Oregano · Globe artichoke
Design tip
Draw attention to ‘Nadezhda’s’ two-tone flowers by planting it where the changing color can be viewed up close. Mauve-pink buds opening to blue-lavender double blooms create a layered effect that adds depth and subtle variation to the late-spring garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
