Description
Latin Name: Syringa villosa
Common Name: French Lilac, Late-flowering Lilac, Spring Lilac
Zone: 3-7
Mature Height: The mature height of late-flowering lilacs can vary based on growing conditions and how they are maintained. Typically, these lilacs reach a height of 8 to 12 feet at maturity. Under ideal conditions, they can grow approximately 12 to 24 inches per year.
Soil/ Climate: Lilacs thrive in well-draining loamy or sandy soils. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and other fungal issues. They grow best in soils that are slightly alkaline to neutral, though they can tolerate mildly acidic conditions. For optimal growth and plentiful blooms, they require full sun—at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While they are cold-hardy and can endure harsh winters, they may struggle in regions with hot, humid summers.
Notes: Late-flowering lilacs are mainly cultivated for their striking, fragrant blooms that appear later in spring or early summer, extending the traditional lilac blooming period. These plants are a favorite in ornamental gardens due to their vibrant clusters of flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. With their dense, bushy growth habit, they are an ideal choice for creating privacy hedges or natural screens. Their moderate growth rate and relatively compact size (reaching 8–12 feet tall) make them well-suited for serving as a barrier between properties, roads, or garden spaces.
Problems: Late-flowering lilacs are typically hardy and easy to grow, but they can still face issues from pests, diseases, and environmental stress. One common problem is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that creates a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and buds. This fungus thrives in humid conditions, especially during warm, wet weather. It causes white or grayish spots on the leaves, which may eventually turn yellow and fall off. If not addressed, powdery mildew can weaken the plant and interfere with photosynthesis, ultimately affecting its overall health.
Wildlife: Late-flowering lilacs are particularly appealing to bees, including honeybees and native bumblebees, thanks to their fragrant flowers that offer a rich nectar source. These blooms provide an important food supply for pollinators during late spring and early summer when fewer plants are flowering. Lilacs also attract butterflies, such as Swallowtails and Cabbage Whites, as their nectar is a key food for adult butterflies. While lilacs are not a primary nectar source for hummingbirds—who tend to prefer tubular flowers—they can still draw these birds, especially in early summer when other food sources are scarce. The color and scent of the blooms can be particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
Cold Stream Farm Supplies Late Lilac shrubs which are grown as bare root seedlings and transplants and sold both wholesale and retail with no minimum order.
Additional information on Syringa villosa can be found on the link: USDA / NRCS PLANTS Database.
For More Information, visit:
Extension – University of Wisconsin
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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