Alphabetical Plant Listing

Pretty Lilacs for Small Gardens

Syringa meyeri, Syringa oblata subsp dilatata, Syringa pubescens subsp. patula, Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla, Syringa vulgaris


A lilac in full bloom, with its heavenly fragrance, is a breathtaking sight. A mainstay of the spring landscape in northern and colder climates, lilacs are one of the most effective flowering shrubs. Easy to grow, tough as nails, deer resistant, and relatively free from major pests, these hardy shrubs have been tailored to meet the needs of all gardens, including small gardens. There are now lilacs that rarely grow more than 3-4 ft. (90-120 cm) tall, which makes them suitable plants for small gardens and containers.

Lilacs come in a wide range of colors (white, blue, pink, purple, lilac, and magenta). Depending on where you live, and the lilac varieties you choose, lilacs can provide color and fragrance from April through June. However, some lilac shrubs do not only bloom in spring for a few fleeting weeks. They prolong their presence as they repeat bloom in summer and fall, bringing their wonderful color and scent in the garden. If your space is limited, you may want to choose a dwarf lilac that repeats bloom and rewards you with a second flush of flowers.

Although lilacs are not known for fall leaf coloring, there are some notable exceptions. Some varieties boast terrific fall foliage in shades of orange, gold, and burgundy, further extending their season of interest. You may want to consider this when selecting the perfect lilac shrub for your garden.

Guide Information

Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Syringa - Lilacs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Landscaping Ideas Small Gardens
Compare All Syringa - Lilacs Great Plant Combination Ideas with Syringa - Lilacs Guides with Syringa - Lilacs

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Syringa - Lilacs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Landscaping Ideas Small Gardens
Compare All Syringa - Lilacs Great Plant Combination Ideas with Syringa - Lilacs Guides with Syringa - Lilacs

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