What soil does Common lilac grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Common lilac hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Common lilac be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Common lilac be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 2 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 1 plants per metre.

When does Common lilac flower?

Flowering: April–May, purple, pink, white, blue.

How much water does Common lilac need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Common lilac cost?

It sells for roughly €5.90 to €34 in local shops, depending on size.

Common lilac

Syringa vulgaris

Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €5.90.

Illustration of Common lilac — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 drought once established, but offers little after flowering. Expect plenty of root suckers that slowly turn it into a thicket: remove them regularly and do not plant it next to natural grassland or woodland edges.

Watch out for

In Central Europe it escapes from gardens: its root suckers form dense stands in dry grassland, on rocky slopes and along woodland edges, where they crowd out native plants. It is on the official invasive species list in Germany and is treated as invasive in Hungarian botanical literature. The foliage often gets powdery mildew by late summer, lilac leaf miner browns the leaves, and late frost can kill the flower buds. Grafted cultivars also sucker from the rootstock, so remove those shoots at the base.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, purple, pink, white, blue

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	3–7 m × 2–4 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, purple, pink, white, blue
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-30 cm	approx. €13
30-60 cm	approx. €10
30-50 cm	approx. €16
40-80 cm	approx. €9
40-70 cm	approx. €13
size not stated	approx. €5.90 – €34

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Hedge plants Plants for screening Shrubs for pollinators Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

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