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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 10 to 15 ft
Width: 8 to 12 ft
Flower color: Pale blue to soft blue-lavender, double, highly fragrant flower clusters
Foliage color: Deciduous medium green leaves
Bloom time: 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 'Nadezhda'

Nadezhda Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Nadezhda' is a Russian lilac cultivar selected by breeder Leonid Kolesnikov; its name translates to "hope." In late spring, mauve pink buds open into full, double florets that read lilac-blue to blue-lavender, often showing a two-tone effect as the flowers expand. Conical clusters are generous and fragrant, making this a fine choice for cutting.

After bloom, the plant carries clean green foliage that provides a tidy backdrop through summer.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Fragrant Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Manzanita · California lilac · Poppy · Foxtail lily · Oregano · Globe artichoke

Design tip

Draw attention to ‘Nadezhda’s’ two-tone flowers by planting it where the changing color can be viewed up close. Mauve-pink buds opening to blue-lavender double blooms create a layered effect that adds depth and subtle variation to the late-spring garden.