Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Syringa vulgaris 'Little Boy Blue'
Little Boy Blue Lilac
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 8 to 12 ft
- Flower color
- Clear blue to blue-lavender, single, fragrant flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves
- Bloom time
- 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 vulgaris 'Little Boy Blue' is a deciduous lilac that blooms in mid to late spring with abundant sky-blue to pale blue flowers carried in dense, upright panicles. The tubular, four-lobed florets open along terminal stems in late April into May, releasing a sweet floral fragrance that draws attention during the main lilac season. Fresh green, heart-shaped leaves follow the bloom, framing the flowers with a leafy backdrop.
Often sold under the name Little Boy Blue and registered as Wonderblue, this cultivar is known for its showy, fragrant spring blossoms and mellow blue color that stands out in lilac collections. The clear blue flowers are well suited to borders, hedges, or areas near paths where their perfume and color can be appreciated up close.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Thyme · English lavender · Dianthus · Blue oat grass · Euphorbias · Globe thistle
Design tip
Capitalize on ‘Little Boy Blue’s’ uncommon flower color by repeating pale blue or blue-lavender accents elsewhere in the garden. Carrying that color beyond the shrub makes its spring display feel connected to the larger planting while still allowing the dense blue panicles to command attention.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
