Common lilac and Smoke bush are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, specimen, screening). 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…
Cotinus coggygria 3 m × 3 m after 10 years
A large, spreading deciduous shrub known for the smoke-like, pinkish, fluffy plumes it carries in summer and for its yellow, orange and purple-red…
Common lilac is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Smoke bush.
Common lilac needs less water than Smoke bush.
Smoke bush needs less care than Common lilac.
Smoke bush is cheaper: about €23 at the size usually planted, against about €32 for Common lilac.
|
Feature
|
Common lilac
|
Smoke bush
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2 m | 3 m × 3 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–7 m × 2–4 m | 3–5 m × 3–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, purple, pink, white, blue | May–July, yellow, pink |
| Water need | Low | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 200 cm | 250 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €32 | approx. €23 |
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 8, 2026
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