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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 4 ft to 6 ft
Width: 4 ft to 6 ft
Flower color: Soft lavender fragrant flower clusters
Foliage color: Medium green heart shaped leaves with a dense compact growth habit
Bloom time: Mid to late spring with repeat blooming into summer and fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate once established
Maintenance: Low; deadhead spent blooms and prune lightly after spring flowering
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 7
Wildlife: Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds attracted to fragrant nectar rich flowers

Shrubs

Syringa 'SMSDTL'

Little Darling Lilac

Syringa 'SMSDTL' produces large clusters of fragrant lilac flowers in spring, with a lighter rebloom in late summer to fall. Heart-shaped green leaves form a dense, rounded canopy that remains clean and full through the growing season. The flowers are held in abundant panicles above the foliage, filling the plant with color and fragrance while attracting butterflies and pollinators during the bloom period. The repeat flowering habit extends seasonal interest well beyond spring.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate once established

Bloom time

Mid to late spring with repeat blooming into summer and fall

Find this plant

Companion plants

Russian sage · Blue fescues · Coreopsis · Yarrow · Daylilies · Creeping phlox

Design tip

Take advantage of Little Darling’s repeat bloom by giving it a prominent spot that stays visible beyond spring. Its compact, rounded form remains tidy through summer, while later flowers renew the display when many traditional lilacs have long finished blooming.