Wonderful Lilacs for the Upper 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

Lilacs, Lilac for the South, Fragrant Shrubs, Small Shrubs, Syringa vulgaris, Common Lilac, Dwarf Lilacs, Reblooming Lilacs, Heat tolerant Lilacs

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 Upper 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 Upper South Region.

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 7
Heat Zones	2 - 8
Plant Type	Shrubs
Genus	Syringa
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

Wonderful Lilacs for the Upper South Region

Syringa ‘Josee’ (Reblooming Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Syringa Bloomerang® Purple (Reblooming Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ (Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla ‘Superba’ (Littleleaf Lilac)

Hardiness	4 - 8
Height	5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm)

Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’ (Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 8
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ (Japanese Tree Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)

Syringa reticulata subsp. reticulata ‘Snowdance’ (Japanese Tree Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Syringa Tinkerbelle® (Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Syringa x chinensis ‘Lilac Sunday’ (Chinese Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Asessippi’ (Early Flowering Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Declaration’ (Early Flowering Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Excel’ (Early Flowering Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 9
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Maiden’s Blush’ (Early Flowering Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 8
Height	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Mount Baker’ (Early Flowering Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Old Glory’ (Early Flowering Lilac)

Hardiness	5 - 9
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Syringa x hyacinthiflora ‘Pocahontas’ (Early Flowering Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Syringa x laciniata (Cutleaf Lilac)

Hardiness	4 - 8
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Syringa x oblata ‘Betsy Ross’ (Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 8
Height	10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m)

Syringa x persica (Persian Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac)

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	3' - 15' (90cm - 4.6m)

You may want to review these useful guides too

Blooming Seasons of Lilacs

Great Companion Plants For Your Lilacs

Pretty Lilacs for Small Gardens

Wonderful Lilacs for the Lower South Region

Wonderful Lilacs for the Middle South Region

Wonderful Lilacs for the Upper South Region

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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.