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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 8 to 12 ft
Width: 6 to 10 ft
Flower color: Palelilac-purple, fragrant flower clusters
Foliage color: Medium green, heart-shaped 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 x chinensis 'Saugeana'

Saugeana Lilac

Syringa x chinensis 'Saugeana' is a deciduous lilac selected for airy, arching branches and abundant, sweetly fragrant flower panicles. Buds open in mid to late spring, typically May, in lilac to pinkish-purple tones that read deeper at first and soften as the florets expand. Fresh green foliage and a graceful, fountain-like outline keep it attractive after bloom.

The Chinese (Rouen) lilac originated in France in the late 1700's as a hybrid involving common lilac and Persian lilac, and 'Saugeana' is an early-named form associated with that lineage.

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

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

Design tip

Bring a looser character to structured garden areas with ‘Saugeana’s’ airy, fountain-like form. Its fine branching and arching flower panicles soften the strong lines of walls, fences, and paved areas while still providing enough height to anchor the planting.