What Regions Do Lilacs Grow In?

The Hyacinth Lilac

• The hyacinth lilac (Syringa x hyacinthiflora) is the earliest blooming lilac species, with abundant flowers from early to mid-May. It generally grows to a height and width of 12 feet, its leaves are heart shaped and its flowers somewhat resemble a hyacinth. The hyacinth lilac hybrids were originally the result of crosses of cultivars from France in the late 1800s. Colors include white, pink, lavender and purple in single and double blooms. This species is hardy from USDA Zone 3 through 7. It will grow in all regions of the United States except the extreme Southern and Northern states.

The Common Lilac

• The common lilac ( Syringa vulgaris) is the oldest species of lilac, dating to the 16th century, and as the name implies, is the most available. Bloom time is from mid-May to mid-June with very fragrant flowers on shrubs up to eight feet tall. The colors vary from white to pink to purple with every shade in between. Pruning of sucker shoots will keep this shrub from spreading and taking over the garden. Common lilacs require some winter cold, and therefore are suited to zones 3 through 7. They will not tolerate the heat of the Southern regions of the United States.

The Meyer Lilacs (Syringa meyeri

• The Meyer lilac (Syringa meyeri) is a small shrubby upright species with dense multiple stems that reach from four to eight feet in height. It blooms in April with many violet-colored flowers that fade to pink. The Meyer lilac is less susceptible to powdery mildew than the common varieties, and will not send out suckers. It thrives in zones 3 through 7. As a cold-climate species, the Meyer lilac will not survive in the warm Southern states.

Miss Kim Lilac

• Miss Kim (Syringa patula) is a compact lilac bush growing six feet tall and wide. It has small dark green leaves and dark violet blooms that open to mauve about a week after the common lilac flowers. Miss Kim has more tolerance for heat and adapts to hardiness zones 3 through 8, making it favorable in the northern sections of the Southern states.

The Tree Lilac

• The tree lilac or Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) is actually a tree-shaped lilac growing up to 25 feet in height. It flowers profusely, with white musk-scented blooms in early June. A native of Asia, the tree lilac is a cold-climate lilac, thriving in zones 3 through 7. Its upright and slightly spreading shape make it a good choice as a specimen or shade tree in most areas of the U.S. except the far Southern and Northern states.