1 / 4

Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 10 to 15 ft
Width: 8 to 12 ft
Flower color: Deep purple to rich violet, single, strongly 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

Shrubs

Syringa vulgaris 'Frank Klager'

Frank Klager Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Frank Klager' is a common lilac grown for fragrant, single flowers in deep purple tones that open in mid to late spring. Full panicles appear at the branch tips, with darker buds expanding to richly colored florets that perfume the air and draw spring pollinators. Heart-shaped green leaves follow quickly after bloom, giving the plant a fresh, leafy presence through the rest of the season.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Fragrant Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Larkspur · Windflower · Hardy mum · Fountain grass · Candytuft · Columbine

Design tip

Create a sense of depth by placing ‘Frank Klager’ behind shrubs or perennials with lighter spring flowers. Its rich violet-purple panicles form a dark middle layer that makes paler blooms appear brighter while preventing the planting from looking flat.