Syringa vulgaris

Common lilac is a highly fragrant, spring-flowering shrub or small tree.  There are hundreds of cultivars available including single and double flowers of various colors including white, cream, rose, magenta, pinkish-purple, lavender, and purple.  The pungently sweet fragrance is delightful but can be overpowering to some asthmatics. 

Most plants are grafted so suckers should be removed from rootstock to maintain the appearance and prevent unwanted spread.  This plant grows rapidly to fill its space.  It makes excellent cut flowers but after it's spectacular mid to late spring bloom, the shrub is of little interest in the landscape with its leggy branches and leaves that are susceptible to powdery mildew. 

Lilac does best in cold winter climates as they require a long period of winter chill for the buds to mature. Late frost will sometimes kill the buds, so it is best sited in a protected location. It is tolerant of different soil types but does not do well in soil that is highly acidic or poorly drained.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insect pests include scales, borers, leaf miners, thrips, and caterpillars. Powdery mildew can seriously affect the appearance of the foliage in the summer but does little permanent damage to the shrub. Prune the center of the plant the help with the airflow.  Additional disease problems including blights, leaf spots, wilts, ringspot virus, and honey fungus.