Small-flowered lilacs

RHS Genus Guide

Daintier than the large-flowered types, many small-flowered lilacs are also compact in stature so suit smaller spaces. A number of species and hybrids fall into this group, ranging in height from 1m to 3m. They have a smaller colour range than common lilac but often have more attractive foliage and some will rebloom after their early summer show. Group them with other shrubs, include them in mixed plantings or use them in containers.

Botanical name: Syringa

Common name: lilac

Appearance

In late April, the spreading or rounded bushes produce airy sprays of small, tubular flowers, usually in shades of pink or light purple. Many are sweetly scented.

Preferences

Small-flowered lilacs grow happily in most soil types in full sun. Smaller varieties can be grown in containers.

Dislikes

They dislike very wet or excessively dry, poor soil and will not grow well in shade.

Did you know?

The lilac genus, Syringa, is in the olive plant family (Oleaceae) along with privet, ash, forsythia and jasmine.

RHS Growing Guide

Growing guide

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How to grow lilacs

Introducing Small-flowered lilacs

lilac 'Palibin'

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'

lilac 'Palibin'

Height: 1–1.5 metres
Width: 1–1.5 metres

lilac 'Bellicent'

Syringa × josiflexa 'Bellicent'

lilac 'Bellicent'

Height: 2.5–4 metres
Width: 2.5–4 metres

lilac 'Miss Kim'

Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim'

lilac 'Miss Kim'

Height: 1.5–2.5 metres
Width: 1–1.5 metres

lilac 'Red Pixie'

Syringa 'Red Pixie'

lilac 'Red Pixie'

Height: 1–1.5 metres
Width: 1–1.5 metres

lilac 'Pink Perfume'

Syringa 'Pink Perfume'

lilac 'Pink Perfume'

Height: 1.5–2.5 metres
Width: 1–1.5 metres