Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'R. and B. Mills'
R. and B. Mills Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Lavender to purple, fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green 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 'R. and B. Mills' is a common lilac selected for richly scented, single florets carried in full, upright panicles. Buds open in mid to late spring, filling the shrub with lavender to purple flowers that read deep and saturated in the landscape. Foliage is medium to deep green with the classic lilac, heart-shaped leaves, creating a dense backdrop that looks fresh well beyond bloom.
The cultivar is recorded as a U.S. selection associated with the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. It is grown primarily for dependable spring bloom, fragrance, and traditional lilac form, fitting naturally into mixed borders, foundation plantings, and cutting gardens.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Avens · Strawberry tree · Betony · Blue grama grass · Thyme · Butterfly bush
Design tip
Balance ‘R. and B. Mills’ saturated purple flowers with quieter foliage-driven plants nearby. Limiting competing spring color gives the full upright panicles greater impact, while varied leaf shapes and textures keep the surrounding planting interesting after the lilac finishes blooming.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
