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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 10 to 15 ft
Width: 8 to 12 ft
Flower color: Clear blue to blue-lavender, single, 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 'Little Boy Blue'

Little Boy Blue Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Little Boy Blue' is a deciduous lilac that blooms in mid to late spring with abundant sky-blue to pale blue flowers carried in dense, upright panicles. The tubular, four-lobed florets open along terminal stems in late April into May, releasing a sweet floral fragrance that draws attention during the main lilac season. Fresh green, heart-shaped leaves follow the bloom, framing the flowers with a leafy backdrop.

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

Thyme · English lavender · Dianthus · Blue oat grass · Euphorbias · Globe thistle

Design tip

Capitalize on ‘Little Boy Blue’s’ uncommon flower color by repeating pale blue or blue-lavender accents elsewhere in the garden. Carrying that color beyond the shrub makes its spring display feel connected to the larger planting while still allowing the dense blue panicles to command attention.