Syringa

Lilac

Message of the Flower

Distinction

The Mother’s Comment

Of a refined beauty, sufficient to itself.

Colour

White and shades of purple, pink, red, blue, and yellow, or bicoloured

Family

Oleaceae

Cultivars

Many, including 'Miss Kim', 'Bloomerang', varieties with different flower colors like white, purple, and pink

Person who named the flower

Carolus Linnaeus

Flower Size

Small, individual flowers are part of larger panicles that can be several inches long.

Flower Texture

Soft, delicate.

Number of Petals

Four

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical (actinomorphic).

Fragrance of Flower

Strong and sweet, especially notable in the evenings and at night.

Leaf Texture

Smooth to slightly rough.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green, some varieties may turn burgundy in fall.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Mostly shrubs, with some species growing as small trees

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Spring, typically in May, but this can vary with climate.

Climate

Temperate

Water Requirements

Moderate; established plants are quite drought-tolerant.

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline.

Temperature Ranges

Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7 or 8, depending on the species and cultivar.

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to powdery mildew, lilac borer, and bacterial blight.

Pollinators

Bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Habitat

Native to woodland and scrub areas; widely cultivated in gardens and parks.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators; some species offer habitat and food for wildlife.

Ornamental

Widely grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscapes.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Essential oil for perfumery and aromatherapy.

Endangered Status

Not generally endangered; widely cultivated.