Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'President Lincoln'
President Lincoln Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Clear light blue to blue-lavender, single, strongly fragrant flower clusters
- 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 'President Lincoln' is a lilac known for fragrant, single florets in clear lavender-blue tones. In mid to late spring, pink-tinged buds open into conical panicles at the branch tips, bringing classic lilac perfume to the garden. Fresh green, heart-shaped leaves emerge alongside the flowers and remain as a leafy backdrop through summer.
Introduced in 1916 by Rochester, New York nurseryman John Dunbar, 'President Lincoln' became a long-grown favorite for reliable bloom and cool blue coloring. Collections such as the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens feature it among their blue lilacs. The generous trusses suit cutting, and the open, upright branching keeps flower clusters easy to enjoy.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Oleaster · Mexican orange blossom · Sneezeweed · Lavender · Sea thrift · Common sage
Design tip
Make ‘President Lincoln’s’ cool blue coloring the focal point of a spring planting by surrounding it with white and soft lavender blooms. This restrained palette reinforces the unusual blue tones without overwhelming them and creates a calm, cohesive seasonal display.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
