Persian lilacs (Syringa x persica) and common lilac are two popular types of shrubs that belong to the Syringa genus. Both plants are deciduous and produce beautiful flowers with a strong fragrance that attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
However, there are some key differences between these types of Lilac bushes. One of the major differences between these types of Lilac bushes is their origin. Persian lilac, also known as Syringa x persica, is native to Iran and Iraq, while common lilac, or Syringa vulgaris, is native to southeastern Europe.
Persian lilac is a smaller plant, typically reaching only 4 to 8 feet, while common lilac can grow up to 20 feet tall. Regarding foliage, Persian lilac bushes have dark green leaves from a very young age that are slightly smaller than common lilac’s heart-shaped leaves. Persian lilac blossoms are also dark colored all the way to white.
Finally, Persian lilac (A.K.A Late Lilac) is known for its resistance to powdery mildew, while common lilac is more susceptible to this fungal disease.
In our guide, you can learn more about the difference between these two lilac varieties. By the end, you’ll better understand how these types of lilac trees differ between small plants and each other and which are good plants for your garden during the growing season. (Read Do Strawberries Grow On Vines)
Common Lilac Bushes
Common lilacs, also known as French lilacs, are deciduous shrubs popular for their beautiful and fragrant flowers. They are part of the olive family and can grow up to 20 feet tall, but most varieties are smaller, ranging from 6 to 12 feet tall.
A Common lilacs deciduous shrub is easy to grow, making them a great choice for any garden. Here are some sub-sections of common lilac bushes:
Common Lilac or French Lilac
The common lilac, also known as French lilac, is the most popular and widely grown variety of lilac. It has large, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring and come in purple, pink, and white shades. The common lilac is a vigorous grower and can reach a height of 20 feet if left unpruned.
Japanese Lilac
The Japanese Tree Lilac is a small tree or large shrub that can reach a height of 20 to 30 feet. It has dark green foliage, producing large, fragrant white flowers in late spring. The Japanese lilac is a slow grower and is best suited for larger gardens.
Hungarian Lilac
The Hungarian lilac is a small shrub that grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet. It has fragrant purple flowers that bloom in late spring. The Hungarian lilac is a good choice for smaller gardens and is also suitable for container gardening.
Meyer Lilac
The Meyer lilac is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant pink flowers that bloom in late spring. The Meyer lilac is a good choice for smaller gardens and suitable for container gardening.
Syringa Afghanica
The Syringa Afghanica is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant lavender flowers that bloom in late spring. The Syringa Afghanica is a good choice for smaller gardens and is also suitable for container gardening.
Syringa Emodi
The Syringa Emodi is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring. The Syringa Emodi is a good choice for smaller gardens and is also suitable for container gardening. (Learn How Long To Run Soaker Hose For Tomatoes)
Nodding Lilac
The Nodding lilac is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant lavender flowers that bloom in late spring. The Nodding lilac is a good choice for smaller gardens and is also suitable for container gardening.
Syringa Villosa
The Syringa Villosa is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant pink flowers that bloom in late spring. The Syringa Villosa is a good choice for smaller gardens and is also suitable for container gardening.
Littleleaf Lilac
The Littleleaf lilac is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant purple flowers that bloom in late spring. The Littleleaf lilac is a good choice for smaller gardens and is suitable for container gardening. Other dwarf varieties include Syringa microphylla ‘Superba’
Syringa Pinetorum
The Syringa Pinetorum is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant pink flowers that bloom in late spring. The Syringa Pinetorum is a good choice for smaller gardens and is suitable for container gardening.
Syringa Pinnatifolia
The Syringa Pinnatifolia is a small shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It has fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring. Syringa Pinnatifolia is a good choice for smaller gardens and is also suitable for container gardening.
Syringa Protolaciniata
It is a rare species of lilac shrub and is also known as pinnate lilac. Pinnate lilac is an open, upright deciduous shrub with dark green, pinnate leaves. The leaves might be oval or lance-shaped. In the spring, the shrub blooms with fragrant lilac- to pink-flushed, white, or ivory-colored blossoms. (Read Majesty Palm Vs Areca Palm)
Common Cultivars and Hybrids
Chinese Lilac
Chinese Lilac (Syringa × chinensis) is a hybrid of the Persian Lilac and Common Lilac and is often called the Himalayan Lilac, Late Lilac, or Rouen Lilac. The Himalayan Lilac (Chinese Lilac) grows up to 15 feet tall and has fragrant lilac flowers that bloom in late spring and before late summer. This lilac deciduous shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil to deliver its sweet fragrance.
Persian Lilac (Syringa x persica)
Persian Lilac (Syringa × persica) is a sterile hybrid that grows up to 10 feet tall. It has pale Persian lilac flowers about half the diameter of Common Lilacs. These Persian Lilacs are a good choice for an informal hedge with arching branches and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Beauty of Moscow
Beauty of Moscow (Syringa vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’) is a popular cultivar that grows up to 10 feet tall.
It has fragrant, double-white flowers with pink edges that bloom in late spring. This lilac variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Dwarf Korean Lilac
Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’) is a compact shrub that grows up to 5 feet tall. It has fragrant, lavender-pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This Dwarf Korean lilac variety is deer-resistant and prefers full sun to light or partial shade and well-drained soil.
Charles Joly Lilac
Charles Joly Lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’) is a popular cultivar that grows up to 10 feet tall. It has fragrant, double magenta flowers that bloom in late spring. This lilac variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Lilac-Evangeline
Lilac-Evangeline (Syringa vulgaris ‘Evangeline’) is a popular cultivar that grows up to 10 feet tall. It has fragrant, double-white flowers with a hint of pink blooming in late spring. This lilac variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Common Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are the most widely grown species of lilac in the United States. They are deciduous shrubs that can grow up to 20 feet tall and have dark green foliage.
Common Lilacs have arching branches and produce large, fragrant flower clusters in late spring to early summer. When planting lilacs, choosing a location with full sun and well-drained soil is important. Lilacs prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
They should be planted young, as they do not transplant well once established. Lilacs require pruning to maintain their shape and promote new growth. Pruning should be done immediately after they have finished flowering.
Lilacs can be susceptible to powdery mildew, so it’s important to maintain good air circulation around the plants. In conclusion, there are many different cultivars and hybrids of lilacs to choose from. A lilac variety will suit your garden whether you prefer fragrant single flowers or double blooms. Proper care and maintenance make lilacs a beautiful addition to any landscape.
How Does Persian Lilac Differ To Common Lilac
If you consider planting a lilac in your garden, you may wonder about the differences between Persian lilacs (Syringa x persica) and common lilac. Both varieties are popular for their fragrant blooms, but some key differences remain.
One of the main differences between Persian lilac and common lilac is their size. Persian lilac is a smaller shrub, growing to a height of about 8-10 feet and a width of 5-10 feet. In contrast, common lilac can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, making it a better choice for larger gardens or as a standalone tree.
Another difference is the shape of the shrub. Persian lilac has a more compact habit, with tight branching and small, pale-colored flowers. On the other hand, common lilac has larger, more showy flowers in a range of colors and a looser, more open habit.
In terms of care, both Persian lilac and common lilac prefer well-drained soil and full sun. However, Persian lilac (Syringa x persica) blossoms, and the entire plant is more heat-tolerant and can thrive in warmer climates like Southern California.
Regarding the sweet fragrance of the flowers, both Persian Lilacs and other varieties are known for their sweet, richly fragrant blooms that attract many butterflies. However, common lilac has a strong fragrance, while Persian lilac has a more subtle, pleasant fragrance.
Finally, if you are interested in using lilacs for flower arrangements, it’s worth noting that common lilac is a better choice. Its larger, more showy blooms make it a popular choice for cut flowers, while Persian lilac’s smaller, less showy blooms are better suited for the garden, which you would find in light shade areas. (Read Mixing Bermuda Grass With St Augustine)
Lilac Care
Whether you have Persian Lilacs (Syringa x persica) or Common Lilacs varieties, caring for these lilac bushes is essential to ensure they thrive and produce beautiful blooms yearly.
Here is some Persian Lilatips to help you care for your lilac plants:
Planting
When planting lilac varieties, choosing a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is important yet can cope with light shade spells. Lilacs prefer well-drained soil with a neutral pH level.
If your soil is too acidic, consider adding lime to raise the pH level. If your soil is too alkaline, consider adding sulfur to lower the pH level. Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball when planting. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to loosen the soil for new roots.
Note, if you order Persian lilacs as bare root plants, these need lots of care to avoid plant shock as you add to your garden.
Watering
Lilacs prefer moderate soil moisture. Water young lilacs regularly to keep the soil lightly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and poor blooming. Once your lilacs are established, they will require less water, but be sure to water during dry spells.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of all lilac varieties care. Prune your lilacs immediately after they have finished flowering. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood from trees. Cut back any old wood to encourage new garden growth. Remove any suckers that grow from the base of the plant.
Fertilizing
Lilacs do not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy roots growth and blossoms.
Pest and Disease Control
Lilacs are generally resistant to pests and diseases but can be susceptible to powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent powdery mildew. If powdery mildew does occur, treat it with a fungicide.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your lilac plants remain healthy, produce beautiful blooms year after year, and bring lots of butterflies to your Southern California garden.
