Common Lilac

Common Lilac

5 Gallon
$69.00
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Common Lilac
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Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

The iconic, large deciduous shrub for powerfully fragrant purple spring blooms.

$69.00
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Common Lilac is the iconic deciduous shrub that defines spring in many temperate gardens with its spectacular floral display and unforgettable fragrance. It forms a large, rounded, multi-stemmed shrub with heart-shaped leaves. In mid to late spring, it is covered in large, conical clusters of tiny, tubular flowers in shades of lavender, purple, or white, depending on the cultivar. The rich, sweet scent is powerful and can perfume an entire garden. A timeless choice for cottage gardens, hedges, or as a specimen.

  • Legendary Spring Fragrance: Famous for its powerfully sweet, nostalgic scent that fills the air in spring.

  • Showy Flower Panicles: Bears large, dense trusses of small, tubular flowers in classic lilac hues, primarily lavender-purple.

  • Large, Robust Shrub: Develops a substantial, rounded form over time, typically reaching 8-15 feet tall and wide.

  • Attracts Wildlife: A valuable nectar source for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees in spring.

  • Cold Climate Staple: A quintessential plant for gardens with distinct winters and adequate chilling hours.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Heart-shaped leaves that emerge bright green and mature to dark green, with gray-brown bark. Produces small, cross-shaped purple flowers with curled petals and red buds in dense panicles. Highly fragrant blooms appear with foliage in spring.
  • Mature Height: 8-15 ft
  • Mature Width: 6-12 ft
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Light Needs: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily for best flowering)
  • Key Advantages:Exceptionally fragrant spring blooms,Attracts pollinators (hummingbirds/butterflies),Deer resistant,Cold hardy
  • Landscape Uses:Fragrant hedges,Specimen plantings,Cottage gardens,Cut flower gardens
  • Special Care:Prune immediately after flowering,Remove suckers to control spread,Prefers slightly alkaline soil,Deadhead to maintain vigor
  • Seasonal Interest:Flowers: Mid to late spring,Foliage: Deciduous (yellow fall color)
FAQs

Q: Will it grow and bloom well in the Bay Area (Zone 9a)?
A: It is not ideally suited to most coastal and mild-winter parts of Zone 9a due to insufficient winter chilling. Flowering will be poor or non-existent. For reliable lilac blooms in this climate, choose low-chill alternatives like the Descanso Hybrids or 'Lavender Lady', which are bred for warmer climates.

Q: How can I improve flowering?
A: Ensure it is planted in full sun and in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth over flowers. Proper pruning after bloom is also essential.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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