Syringa vulgaris alba

Alba Lilac

White Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris var. alba) carries fragrant white flower clusters in late spring and early summer. Broad, pointed green leaves provide a fresh backdrop to the upright blooms.

This vigorous deciduous plant can become a large shrub or small tree. Give it a generous position where the crown can spread and the pale flowers remain visible against darker planting.

Give it fertile soil that drains well and is neutral to alkaline. A sunny position supports the strongest flowering; water while the roots establish and mulch without burying the stems.

Size (approximate)
• Height: 16 ft
• Width: 13–26 ft

Hardiness
• RHS H6 (UK hardiness rating)

Best Uses
• Specimen
• Mixed shrub border

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

16 ft

Width

13-26 ft

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Alkaline, Clay, Humus rich, Loamy, Moist well-drained, Sandy

Landscape use

Border, Specimen

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Fruit

No

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No