Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Anabel'
Anabel Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 ft
- Width
- 6 to 10 ft
- Flower color
- Soft lavender-pink, fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Medium green, heart-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Early to mid 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 x hyacinthiflora 'Anabel' is an early-flowering lilac that opens in early to mid-spring with full panicles of fragrant, double pink florets. Buds deepen to rosy pink, then soften as the clusters expand, and the blossoms hold well for cutting. Fresh green, heart-shaped leaves emerge as the flowers peak and keep the shrub looking neat after bloom.
'Anabel' originated as a deliberate hybrid between early lilac and common lilac and introduced in the 1950's. It is often listed among the earliest pink lilacs to flower, and foliage may bronze in fall as temperatures cool. Classic lilac scent suits paths and entry gardens before most common lilacs begin.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Poppies · Milkweed · Bee balm · Feather reed grass · Rock cress · Alpine mint bush
Design tip
Extend the lilac season by combining ‘Anabel’ with later-blooming lilacs elsewhere in the garden. Its early lavender-pink flowers begin the display before most common lilacs, creating a natural progression of bloom rather than concentrating the entire lilac show into one period.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
