Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'Yankee Doodle'
Yankee Doodle Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 ft
- Width
- 6 to 10 ft
- Flower color
- Deep reddish-purple to dark purple, highly fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Medium green, heart-shaped 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 'Yankee Doodle' blooms in mid to late spring with large, upright panicles packed with single florets in very deep purple tones. Buds often open from near-black purple to velvety wine-purple. The trusses are strongly fragrant and hold well for cutting and indoor arrangements. Fresh blue-green, heart-shaped leaves frame the flowers and keep the shrub looking full after bloom.
'Yankee Doodle' is a modern U.S. introduction credited to lilac breeder Father John L. Fiala, noted for selecting cultivars with exceptional flower color. As spring warms, buds open over several weeks, creating a concentrated season of perfume near paths, patios, and entry gardens where the dark blooms can be appreciated.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Aster · Firethorn · Sneezeweed · Blue grama grass · Hebe · Manzanita
Design tip
Use ‘Yankee Doodle’ to add visual weight to the spring garden. Its near-black buds and deep wine-purple flowers create an unusually rich focal point, while the upright panicles carry that intense color above the shrub’s fresh green foliage.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
