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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 10 to 15 ft
Width: 8 to 12 ft
Flower color: Clear lavender-blue
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 'Fred Wilke'

Fred Wilke Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Fred Wilke' is a classic lilac selection associated with the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland, Washington, introduced in the early 20th century and named for Fred C. Wilke. In spring, fresh green foliage emerges on sturdy, woody branches, forming a full, leafy framework that carries the season's flower display.

Blooming in mid to late spring, it produces dense clusters of very double florets described as a clear blue-toned lavender.

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

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

Design tip

Use ‘Fred Wilke’s’ exceptionally full double flowers as a textural contrast to shrubs with simpler, more open spring blooms. The densely layered lavender-blue trusses create a lush focal point, while their cool coloring keeps the effect soft rather than visually heavy.