Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation')
Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation' is a showy, fragrant Common lilac known for deep purple flowers with distinct white edges.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’, a distinct cultivar of the Common lilac, offers gardeners a uniquely bicolored spring display. This variety is highly valued for its large panicles of single flowers, which feature deep purple or wine-red petals dramatically edged in crisp white. As a classic member of the common lilac family, it provides significant fragrance during its peak blooming period, making it indispensable for sensory gardens.
This deciduous shrub grows vigorously, reaching heights between 8 and 15 feet, suitable for providing structure or screening in the landscape. While it requires the cool winters characteristic of its native range and ideal growing areas, Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ is relatively low maintenance once established, provided it receives ample sunlight for optimal flowering. It serves as a magnificent specimen plant, bursting with color when few other woody plants are in bloom.
The structure and powerful scent ensure this plant remains a perennial favorite, embodying the nostalgia associated with the common lilac. For gardeners aiming for reliable, impactful spring color and perfume, selecting Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ is an excellent choice, especially when site conditions match its full sun preference.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Oleaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 8-15 ft
- Spread: 6-12 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Purple, single, white edged petals
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ is best done in the early spring or fall while the ground is cool. Site selection is crucial: choose a location receiving full sun, as light shade diminishes flower production significantly. This shrub thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil. It tolerates clay soil, but deeply amending the planting area with organic matter to ensure rich, loose soil aids establishment immensely.
Ongoing care requires medium watering, particularly during dry spells in the first few years. Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ prefers soil that is moist, fertile, and organically rich, though it cannot tolerate soggy conditions. Good air circulation is necessary to help mitigate common summer fungal issues. Minimal fertilization is usually needed if the soil is rich; avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen products which promote excessive leafy growth rather than blooms.
Pruning should be performed promptly immediately after the flowering period ends in late spring. Deadheading faded flower panicles encourages better energy use, though the main purposes of pruning are aesthetic shaping or size control. Immediately remove any root suckers to maintain the characteristic upright appearance. Remember that this common lilac variety thrives where summers are cool and winters are reliably cold, potentially struggling to bloom profusely in hot, humid Zone 8 and above regions.
Landscape Uses
The structure and striking bicolor blooms of Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ make it an exceptional choice in multiple landscape settings. It is frequently employed as a formal or informal hedge or screen, providing excellent springtime privacy thanks to its dense habit, reaching up to 15 feet tall. Alternatively, planted as a solitary specimen or in small groups, its unique flower color becomes a focal point against darker green backdrops.
This shrub is perfect for traditional cottage gardens, mixing beautifully with early summer perennials or other spring bloomers. Its reliable performance in cold regions makes it a foundation plant for northern and mid-continental gardens. Furthermore, the fragrant, showy flowers of the common lilac are highly sought after for cutting arrangements, providing wonderful scent indoors throughout the bloom period.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Syringa vulgaris, commonly known as common lilac, is an upright, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub in the olive family that typically matures to 12-16’ (20’) tall with a spread to 8-12’ (15’) wide. It is particularly noted for its mid to late spring (May) bloom of very fragrant, tubular, 4-lobed, lilac to purple flowers which bloom in large conical panicles. The specific ‘Sensation’ cultivar stands out because its deep purple to wine red, sweetly fragrant, single flowers are distinctly edged in white. While revered for fragrance, common lilac generally lacks strong fall color or significant post-bloom ornamental appeal.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
The most common aesthetic issue affecting Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ is powdery mildew. This fungal disease frequently appears in summer, creating unsightly whitish-gray patches on the leaves, though it rarely causes lasting harm to the shrub’s structure or vigor. To manage mildew, ensure adequate air circulation during planting and, if possible, choose mildew-resistant varieties, though ‘Sensation’ susceptibility is noted.
Less common, but more serious, threats include various blights, leaf spots, wilts, ring spot virus, and honey fungus. Insect pests such as scales, borers, leaf miners, thrips, and caterpillars can also attack. Regular inspection and prompt removal of dead or damaged wood help maintain plant health against borers. Deer generally avoid browsing this common lilac.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Common lilac suitable for?
Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ is reliably cold-hardy, flourishing in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.
How large does Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ grow?
This upright shrub typically matures to a height between 8 and 15 feet, with a spread ranging from 6 to 12 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ need?
For the best display of its unique purple and white flowers, Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ requires full sun exposure.
When does Common lilac bloom?
This variety showcases its fragrant flowers from April through May, often peaking in early to mid-May.
Conclusion
The Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ provides unparalleled bicolor beauty and fragrance among early-season bloomers, making it a fantastic anchor for any cold-hardy landscape. Success with this common lilac cultivar hinges on providing full sun and well-drained soil. Before planting, verify that your growing location falls within USDA Zones 3–7 to ensure spectacular performance next spring.
Companion Planting
When designing beds around your Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’, consider companions that appreciate similar soil pH (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline) and full sun conditions. Planting later-emerging perennials and shrubs nearby ensures the structural beauty of the lilac remains interesting after its brief blooming window closes. Good partners include hardy Peonies, Siberian Iris, or Clematis varieties that can begin blooming as the lilac fades.
For structural companions, consider evergreens like Dwarf Mugo Pine or upright Junipers that offer year-round texture to contrast the deciduous nature of the common lilac. Avoid overly aggressive groundcovers near the base, which can compete for nutrients and impede air circulation, potentially worsening powdery mildew issues on the shrub’s lower leaves.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Late Winter/Very Early Spring (Dormancy): Inspect bark and branches for any winter damage. Perform major structural pruning now if absolutely necessary, though post-bloom pruning is preferred. Do not prune once buds begin to swell, as this removes next season’s flower wood.
Late Spring (Post-Bloom): This is the critical time for maintenance. Immediately deadhead faded flower clusters from Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ to prevent seed set, which uses stored energy. Apply a light layer of balanced fertilizer if the shrub appears weak, and immediately cut back any root suckers appearing near the base.
Summer: Monitor leaf health for signs of powdery mildew. Water deeply during暑 drought periods to maintain medium moisture levels. Avoid heavy summer pruning, as this removes wood that would flower the following spring.
