Oak Summit Nursery
Common Purple Lilac
Common Purple Lilac
Fall 2026 plant sale
Fall plant ordering opens in September. Shipping begins in October 2026.
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Common Purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a large deciduous shrub with dense clusters of strongly fragrant purple flowers in late spring.
The species is native to southeastern Europe and has been grown in cold climate gardens for centuries.
Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Mature Size: 12 to 16 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide
Fall 2026 plant sale
Plants are sold seasonally after nursery stock is counted. Fall ordering opens in September and shipping begins in October 2026. Add a reminder and we will email when this listing opens.
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Growing details
- Species origin
- Native to Europe; not native to Manitoba
- Growth and pruning
- Spreads by suckers; prune shortly after flowering
- Growing site
- Full sun; adaptable to many soils; avoid ponding
- Disease context
- Powdery mildew is prevalent but usually causes little permanent damage
- Size class
- Mature-height class above 7 ft
More about this plant
Common lilac is a European species and is not native to Manitoba. A source lists Zone 2 without specifying its zone system and places mature height above 7 ft. It spreads by suckers and adapts to many soils, but full sun and avoidance of ponding are useful site guidance. Powdery mildew is prevalent but usually causes little permanent damage. Pruning is best done shortly after flowering.
Cold hardinessZone 3 · Canadian maps for this plant
Zone 3 and warmer
The map shows minimum winter hardiness. Soil, moisture and summer warmth also affect how a plant grows.
About these maps
Climate: Natural Resources Canada, 1991–2020. Provincial distribution: VASCAN via retained botanical research. Province outlines: Natural Earth, public domain.
Open Government Licence – Canada