Wonderful Lilacs for the Middle South Region
Syringa meyeri, Syringa pubescens subsp. patula, Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla, Syringa vulgaris, Syringa x lacinita, Syringa x chinensis, Syringa x hyacinthiflora, Syringa reticulata
Prized for their wonderful fragrance, lilacs are a mainstay of the spring landscape in northern and colder climates. Easy to grow, tough as nails, deer resistant and relatively free from major pests, they are one of the most effective flowering shrubs.
Sadly, not all lilacs are suited to the heat of the south. They often need a long period of winter chill for buds to mature and bloom the following spring. However, some lilac varieties and cultivars bloom well in the Middle South Region.
To get the best flowers and succeed in growing lilac bushes, you need to follow these easy rules: choose a proper site for your lilac with good drainage, good soil, good sun and provide good care.
- Full sun lovers, lilacs are easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, alkaline to neutral, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Light shade is tolerated but the best flower production occurs in full sun.
- Lilacs also need space. Good air circulation is important in order to reduce powdery mildew issues.
- Prompt removal of faded flowers before seed set will increase the bloom production in the following year.
- If pruning is desired, it should be done immediately after flowering to maintain flower production the next year. Lilacs begin to set buds for the following year shortly after they finish blooming.
Here is a list of beautiful lilac varieties and cultivars for the Middle South Region.
Wonderful Lilacs for the Middle South Region
Syringa 'Josee' (Reblooming Lilac)
Syringa 'Josee' is a dwarf, reblooming lilac of compact, rounded habit. Heavenly scented, star-like lavender-pink flowers are on display over a long season. Blooming massively in late spring, the blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub. After a rest period to put on new growth, they repeat bloom sporadically through fall. Repeat flowering is best in cool climates. Will thrive in warmer zones, though southern gardens may only get a flush of rebloom in the fall.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm) |
Syringa Bloomerang® Dark Purple (Reblooming Lilac)
Syringa Bloomerang® Dark Purple is a small, reblooming lilac of compact, rounded habit. Sweetly scented, star-like, dark purple flowers are on display over a long season. Blooming massively in mid-late spring, the blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub. After a rest period to put on new growth, they repeat bloom from mid-summer through fall. The branches are clothed in rich green, broadly-ovate, small leaves that remain attractive in summer. Noted for its exceptional disease resistance, this reblooming lilac is perfect for foundation plantings, mixed borders, small gardens and containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Syringa Bloomerang® Dwarf Pink (Reblooming Lilac)
Perfect for small spaces, Syringa Bloomerang® Dwarf Pink is a small, reblooming lilac of extremely compact, rounded habit. Sweetly scented, star-like pure pink flowers are on display over a long season. Blooming massively in late spring, the blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub. After a rest period to put on new growth, they repeat bloom from mid-summer through fall. The branches are clothed in rich green, broadly-ovate, small leaves that remain attractive in summer. Noted for its exceptional disease resistance, this reblooming lilac is ideal for mixed borders, small gardens and containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Syringa Bloomerang® Dwarf Purple (Reblooming Lilac)
Perfect for small spaces, Syringa Bloomerang® Dwarf Purple is a small, reblooming lilac of extremely compact, rounded habit. Sweetly scented, star-like purple flowers are on display over a long season. Blooming massively in late spring, the blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub. After a rest period to put on new growth, they repeat bloom from mid-summer through fall. The branches are clothed in rich green, broadly-ovate, small leaves that remain attractive in summer. Noted for its exceptional disease resistance, this reblooming lilac is ideal for mixed borders, small gardens and containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Syringa Bloomerang® Purple (Reblooming Lilac)
Syringa Bloomerang® Purple is a small, reblooming lilac of compact, rounded habit. Sweetly scented, star-like purple flowers are on display over a long season. Blooming massively in mid-late spring, the blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub. After a rest period to put on new growth, they repeat bloom from mid-summer through fall. The branches are clothed in rich green, broadly-ovate, small leaves that remain attractive in summer. Noted for its exceptional disease resistance, this reblooming lilac is perfect for foundation plantings, mixed borders, small gardens and containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Syringa meyeri 'Palibin' (Lilac)
An ideal Korean Lilac for small gardens, Syringa meyeri 'Palibin' is a dense, compact, low-spreading, deciduous shrub that gets covered with a profusion of sweetly-fragrant upright panicles of lilac-pink single flowers in late spring to early summer. Smaller than the species, its broadly-ovate, dark green leaves are extremely resistant to powdery mildew and remain attractive in summer. They take an attractive reddish bronze color in fall, extending the season of interest of this outstanding lilac shrub. One of the most dwarfed or slow growing of all lilacs. Meyer Lilac is especially urban tolerant.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall |
Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm) |
Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla 'Superba' (Littleleaf Lilac)
Award-winner Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla 'Superba' (Littleleaf Lilac) is a bushy, spreading deciduous shrub adorned with loose panicles of fragrant, single, long-tubed, rosy-pink flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this pretty lilac often repeats bloom in summer or early fall. The dense, fine branches are clothed in small, dark green, broadly-ovate leaves that remain attractive in summer. Introduced in 1933, this Littleleaf Lilac enjoys a good resistance to powdery mildew and is considered heat tolerant. One of the most desirable small scented shrubs, it is perfect for sunny mixed borders and flowering hedges.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 4 - 8 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm) |
Spread | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.5m) |
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim' (Lilac)
A low maintenance plant with excellent resistance to powdery mildew, Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim' is a charming Manchurian lilac which provides interest over three seasons of the year. In late spring, it gets covered with abundant, sweetly fragrant, lavender to ice blue flowers which open from rich purple buds. It also provides good fall color with its dark green foliage turning attractive burgundy shades in the fall. A slow grower of upright, compact, somewhat rounded habit, this lilac is ideal for small gardens.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall |
Height | 4' - 9' (120cm - 270cm) |
Spread | 5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm) |
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' (Japanese Tree Lilac)
Award-winner Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' (Japanese Tree Lilac) is a large shrub or small tree with an oval to rounded crown. In early summer, a profusion of huge clusters, 6-12 in. long (15-30 cm), packed with fragrant, tiny creamy-white flowers adorn the tree. Flowering begins at a young age on this sturdy, compact tree. The erect branches are clothed in lanceolate to ovate, dark green leaves that remain attractive in summer. Equally handsome is the lustrous, reddish-brown exfoliating bark with horizontal lenticels, reminiscent of cherry bark. Drought resistant and free of pests and disease.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early) |
Height | 20' - 25' (6m - 7.5m) |
Spread | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Syringa reticulata subsp. reticulata 'Snowdance' (Japanese Tree Lilac)
Noted for its remarkably heavy blooms, Syringa reticulata 'Snowdance' (Japanese Tree Lilac) is a large shrub or small tree with an oval to rounded crown. In early summer, a profusion of huge clusters packed with fragrant, tiny creamy-white flowers adorn the tree. Flowering begins at a young age on this sturdy, compact tree. The erect branches are clothed in lustrous, dark green leaves that remain attractive in summer. Equally handsome is the shiny, reddish-brown exfoliating bark with horizontal lenticels, reminiscent of cherry bark. Drought resistant and free of pests and disease.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early) |
Height | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Spread | 15' - 18' (4.5m - 5.4m) |
Syringa Tinkerbelle® (Lilac)
Perfect for small gardens, Syringa Tinkerbelle® is a compact, deciduous shrub of upright, rounded habit that gets covered with a profusion of sweetly-fragrant panicles, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), of single pink flowers in late spring to early summer. Opening from incredible wine-red flower buds, they last about 3-4 weeks and create a very nice display. The small, broadly-ovate, bright green leaves remain attractive in summer.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Syringa vulgaris 'Blue Skies' (Lilac)
Compact, Syringa vulgaris 'Blue Skies' is an upright deciduous shrub with very showy racemes of sweetly fragrant, pale lavender-blue, single flowers in late spring. Opening from lilac-pink buds, the dense, arching panicles cover the shrub in a ravishing bicolor display. The open branches are clothed in light green, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer. Beautiful in bloom, this French lilac is regarded as one of the best lilacs for warm winter areas. Unlike most lilacs, which require a long period of winter chill for buds to mature and bloom the following spring, Blue Skies needs a light winter chill to put on a great show.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm) |
Syringa x chinensis 'Lilac Sunday' (Chinese Lilac)
Very floriferous, Syringa x chinensis 'Lilac Sunday' (Chinese Lilac) is a deciduous shrub with showy panicles packed with fragrant, single, pale purple flowers. Blooming in late spring, the abundant blossoms are produced not only at the branch tips, like the common lilac, but also from the lateral buds along the stems, resulting in a lush floral display. Arching under the weight of the abundant blooms, the willowy branches are clothed in fresh green, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer. Excellent disease resistance. With its cascading blossoms, this Chinese lilac makes a very attractive lilac fountain.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) |
Height | 8' - 12' (240cm - 3.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 12' (240cm - 3.6m) |
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Declaration' (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Declaration' (Early Flowering Lilac) is an upright, deciduous shrub with incredibly showy panicles, 15 in. long (37 cm), packed with wonderfully fragrant, single, dark reddish-purple flowers. Blooming in mid spring, about 7-10 days earlier than common lilacs, its abundant blossoms make a dramatic display. The erect, open branches are clothed in fresh green, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer. Uniform, heavy-blooming, disease-tolerant.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid) |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Excel' (Early Flowering Lilac)
Free-flowering, Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Excel' (Early Flowering Lilac) is an upright, deciduous shrub with showy panicles packed with fragrant, lilac-lavender single flowers. Blooming in mid spring, about 7-10 days earlier than common lilacs, its abundant blossoms make a dramatic display. The erect, open branches are clothed in fresh green, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer. Uniform, heavy-blooming, disease-tolerant. Suitable for the south thanks to its low chilling requirement.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid) |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Old Glory' (Early Flowering Lilac)
Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Old Glory' (Early Flowering Lilac) is a deciduous, rounded multi-stemmed shrub with showy panicles, 8 in. long (20 cm), packed with fragrant, single, bluish-purple flowers. Opening from reddish-purple flower buds in mid spring, about 7-10 days earlier than common lilacs, the abundant blossoms make a dramatic display. The erect, open branches are clothed in fresh green, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer. Uniform, heavy-blooming, disease-tolerant. One of the few lilacs that stands up to the heat and humidity of the south.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid) |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Syringa x laciniata (Cutleaf Lilac)
Noted for its heat tolerance and mildew resistance, Syringa x laciniata (Cutleaf Lilac) is a deciduous shrub of graceful, rounded habit, with loose panicles, 3 in. long (7 cm), of fragrant, soft lavender-violet flowers in late spring. Born all along the willowy, arched branchlets, they form long flowering wands of great beauty. Equally handsome is the airy, finely textured foliage of lacy, deeply cut, dark green leaves. Not susceptible to mildew, it remains attractive in summer and turns yellow-green in the fall. Cutleaf Lilac is the most heat-tolerant lilac. Perfect for warmer climates and hot summer areas. An outstanding lilac worthy of a place in the garden.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 4 - 8 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Syringa x oblata 'Betsy Ross' (Lilac)
Noted for its mildew tolerance, Syringa x oblata 'Betsy Ross' (Lilac) is a deciduous shrub of compact, rounded habit with large and showy panicles, up to 14 in. long (35 cm), packed with fragrant, pure white flowers in early-mid spring. The open branches are clothed in light green, broadly ovate leaves that remain attractive in summer. This beautiful lilac becomes magical during twilight hours, glowing in the fading light. Works well in a border or as a specimen. One of the best lilacs for warmer climates.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) |
Height | 10' - 12' (3m - 3.6m) |
Spread | 10' - 12' (3m - 3.6m) |
Syringa x persica (Persian Lilac)
Very showy, Syringa x persica (Persian Lilac) is a compact, densely branched, deciduous shrub of graceful, rounded habit, with wide panicles, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), of richly fragrant, pale lilac flowers in late spring. The upright, arching branches are clad with large, lanceolate, dark blue-green leaves which remain attractive in summer. Powdery mildew may be a problem on leaves in some areas. Persian Lilac is heat-tolerant and suitable for warmer climates. An outstanding large background shrub or a great informal hedge or screen.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) |
Height | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 5' - 10' (150cm - 3m) |
Syringa x prestoniae 'Miss Canada' (Preston Lilac)
Extremely hardy, Syringa x prestoniae 'Miss Canada' (Preston Lilac) is a deciduous shrub with large panicles packed with sweetly scented, tubular, single, brilliant rosy-pink flowers. Opening from reddish buds in early summer, 2-3 weeks after the common lilacs, the abundant blossoms are produced on new spring growth. The erect branches are clothed in glossy, deep green, lance-shaped leaves that remain attractive in summer and turn a beautiful yellow-green in fall. This lilac does not make suckers. Perfect to extend the lilac season, it is suitable for warmer climates.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 2 - 7 |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) Fall |
Height | 6' - 12' (180cm - 3.6m) |
Spread | 6' - 12' (180cm - 3.6m) |
You may want to review these useful guides too
Blooming Seasons of Lilacs
Depending on where you live, and the lilac varieties you choose, lilacs can provide color and fragrance from April through June. By selecting carefully, it is possible to have two months of spring blooms, particularly if the weather is cool.
Great Companion Plants For Your Lilacs
While extraordinarily good-looking on their own during their blooming season, Lilacs do not add much sparkle during the rest of the growing season. To extend their season of interest, they need companion plants that will provide color against the green foliage of the midsummer lilacs. Well-behaved, they make perfect partners with other shrubs or perennials and help create strikingly beautiful combinations in the garden.
Pretty Lilacs for Small Gardens
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.
Wonderful Lilacs for the Lower South Region
Sadly, not all lilacs are suited to the heat of the south. They often need a long period of winter chill for buds to mature and bloom the following spring. However, some lilac varieties and cultivars bloom well in the Lower South Region.
Wonderful Lilacs for the Upper South Region
Sadly, not all lilacs are suited to the heat of the south. They often need a long period of winter chill for buds to mature and bloom the following spring. However, some lilac varieties and cultivars bloom well in the Upper South Region.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
6 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9
|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Syringa - Lilacs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
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 |
123rf
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
Hardiness |
6 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9
|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Syringa - Lilacs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
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 |
Related Items
Plant Hardiness, Heat Tolerance and Climate Zones
A plant's performance is governed by many climate related...
Best David Austin Roses for the Southeast
Wondering which English rose cultivars have proven reliable...
A Four-Season Border with Evergreen Conifers and Japanese Maples
While a single Japanese maple can provide a striking focal...
A Cheerful Winter Border Idea with Hellebores and Cyclamens
Low care, Hellebores and Cyclamen are invaluable additions...
A Pretty Border Idea with Alliums and Persicaria
Create long-lasting, pleasing contrasts in your garden. In...
A Casual and Impressionistic Planting Combination
A scenery that reminds of Monet's Poppy Field in...
A long-Lasting Spring Border for Weeks of Color
A dazzling splash of color in the mid - late spring garden!
A Fabulous Plant Combination for Moist Soils and Shady Gardens
Brighten a moist and shady area of your garden! Most plants...
Recommended Native Shrubs for Virginia's Central Rappahannock Region
Here is a list of native shrubs that are well-suited for...
Monarch Nectar Plants for Mississippi
Magnificent with its orange wings laced with black lines...
Monarch Nectar Plants for Kentucky
Magnificent with its orange wings laced with black lines...