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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 10 to 15 ft
Width: 8 to 12 ft
Flower color: Deep purple buds open to lavender-purple blossoms with a faint white edge
Foliage color: Deciduous medium green leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late 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 'Mrs. Bereasha'

Mrs. Bereasha Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Mrs. Berneasha' is a historic lilac selection associated with Hulda Klager's breeding work in Woodland, Washington. In mid to late spring, rounded trusses open from deeper-toned buds into densely florets that show a purple-to-lavender effect with lighter, whitish highlights through the panicle. The fragrance is classic lilac, sweet and strong.

Heart-shaped green leaves create a full, leafy backdrop through the growing season, and the plant develops a sturdy, branching framework that carries bloom clusters at the ends of shoots. The overall look is traditional and formal, suited to specimen planting, and cut-flower harvest during peak bloom.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Fragrant Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Gaura · Weigela · Salvia · Baptisia · Lilies · Mexican feather grass

Design tip

Showcase ‘Mrs. Bereasha’ as a specimen where its individual flower clusters can be appreciated at close range. The deep purple buds, lavender-purple blossoms, and subtle white edging create intricate color variation, making the spring display appreciated from a nearby path or garden seating area.