Species common lilac
pink-burgundy flowers with yellow center and lime leaves

common lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Monge'

Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Monge') is an ornamental shrub that produces a beautiful, fragrant blooming. Its clusters of whitish-pinkish flowers add an exquisite beauty to any garden. An excellent choice for hedges, its dense growth allows for a quick flowering. Due to its versatility, it can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. It is also known for its low maintenance, since this species is highly disease and insect-resistant. An ideal choice for a beginner gardener.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

Deep reddish purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Common lilac should be watered deeply twice a week during the growing season (April-August). Water enough to reach the root system and ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month or when the soil appears dry. Lilac will need more water during extreme heat or drought. If soil is loose and moisture is draining quickly, then spreading mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture.

sunlight

Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Monge') prefers full sunlight and does best with at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day. When growing in warmer climates with more sunshine, Common lilac may require more shade during hotter times of the day. In less sunny climates, it may do better with extra afternoon sunlight. The time of day when the Common lilac receives the most sunlight (morning or afternoon) is not as important as the amount of sunlight it receives.

pruning

Common lilacs are usually pruned during late winter or very early spring. For best growth, they should be pruned lightly and regularly; this helps to keep the shrub looking neat and attractive. Larger, more unruly specimen plants can be pruned back by up to 1-third their size. Pruning should be done when the shrub is slightly dormant, just before new growth begins in the spring. When pruning, focus on removing dead or diseased branches first, then remove any crossed or spindly branches, and finally trim the shape of the shrub. It's best to cut in natural curves along the plant's form. Avoid pruning back too drastically--cutting back too far can limit the potential for blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Common lilac typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Hardiness Map