Common lilac and Preston lilac are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, specimen, screening, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Syringa vulgaris 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
A large, long-lived deciduous shrub grown for its strongly scented flower clusters in spring. It copes well with sun, heat and limy soil, and with…
Syringa × prestoniae 2.5 m × 2 m after 10 years
A large, upright then rounded lilac that flowers a week or two after common lilac, in late May and June, with big conical panicles in pink, purplish…
Common lilac tolerates drought better than Preston lilac.
Common lilac needs less water than Preston lilac.
Preston lilac needs less care than Common lilac.
|
Feature
|
Common lilac
|
Preston lilac
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2 m | 2.5 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–7 m × 2–4 m | 2.4–3.5 m × 1.8–3 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, purple, pink, white, blue | May–June, pink, purple, white |
| Water need | Low | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 200 cm | 200 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €32 | approx. €37 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details