Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Equinox Valley’

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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 8 to 12 ft
Width: 6 to 10 ft
Flower color: Soft lavender to lavender-pink, 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 ‘Equinox Valley’

Equinox Valley Lilac

Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Equinox Valley' is an early-blooming lilac known for full, double florets in soft lavender to lavender-blue tones. The flower clusters are richly fragrant and make generous panicles for cutting. Heart-shaped, mid-green leaves fill in after bloom and provide a leafy backdrop through the growing season.

This cultivar is associated with Equinox Valley Nursery in Manchester, Vermont, where it was re-discovered and propagated by founders Roger and Penny Preuss. Flowering typically occurs in early to mid spring, depending on climate.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Specimen Plants
Fragrant Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Lupine · Firethorn · Red valerian · Blue oat grass · Rock rose · Snow-in-summer

Design tip

Feature ‘Equinox Valley’ where its densely layered double flowers can be appreciated at close range. The soft lavender coloring and intricate florets reward a nearer view, making this lilac especially effective beside frequently traveled garden paths or gathering areas.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)