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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 8 to 12 ft
Width: 6 to 10 ft
Flower color: Reddish-purple to deep rose-purple, fragrant flower clusters
Foliage color: Medium to dark green, broadly heart-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Early 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

Shrubs

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Declaration’

Declaration Lilac

Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Declaration' is an early-season lilac with large, fragrant panicles packed with deep reddish-purple, single florets. Buds open to richly colored clusters that read as red-purple to purple, while fresh green, heart-shaped leaves provide a clean backdrop through summer. New growth may show a brief bronzy flush before turning green.

Flowers are carried on sturdy stems in dense terminal clusters suited to cutting and spring displays.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Fragrant Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Phlox · Pittosporum · Hardy mums · Feather reed grass · Cranesbill · Butterfly bush

Design tip

Give ‘Declaration’ a prominent role where its foliage can contribute beyond the spring bloom. Bronzy new growth, clean green summer leaves, and occasional burgundy-purple fall color provide subtle seasonal transitions that complement its concentrated display of deep reddish-purple flowers.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)