Meyer lilac is a perennial shrub in the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to northern China. The species and subspecies epithets are Latin for “hairy or pubescent.” Meyer lilac has more mildew resistance than most lilacs and is easy to grow in urban conditions, preferring full sun although it will tolerate some shade. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils, with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline. Although tolerant of poor soil, it does not do well in heavy clay or a site that is not well-drained. Meyer lilac is a spreading lilac, wider than it is tall, with reddish-purple buds opening to pale lilac, fragrant flowers. It blooms profusely in mid-season, typically mid-May, and flowers at an early age. It can be used in a shrub border or planted in groups to form a low hedge. Diseases, Pest, and Other Problems: This shrub has no serious insect or disease problems. It has excellent resistance to powdery mildew. Possible diseases may include lilac blight and honey fungus. Insects that may be problematic include leaf-mining moth, thrips, and willow scale.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheBuddleja 'Miss Violet'Syringa persicaSyringa pubescens subsp. patula
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Perennial; Shrub
Life cycle
Perennial; Woody
USDA zones
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Mounding; Multi-stemmed; Oval; Rounded
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Orbicular; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire; Undulate
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Dark green leaves are 0.7 to 1.7 inches long with slightly wavy margins with nearly palmate venation. Non-showy fall color.
Fall color
Gold/Yellow; Insignificant
Flower color
Pink; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Showy
Flower form
Panicle
Flower shape
Trumpet; Tubular
Flower detail
Fragrant violet-purple flowers densely packed on a 4-inch panicle. Blooms in May.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
dry brown capsule persists into winter
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Gray/Silver
Stem detail
stems are gray-brown, shoots have prominent lenticels
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Northern China and Korea, northern Japan
Wildlife value
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Attracts
Butterflies; Hummingbirds
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Attracts Pollinators; Colorful; Easy to Grow; Fragrance; Screening
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall; Winter
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Patio; Walkways; Woodland
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Cottage Garden; Cutting Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden
Design feature
Accent; Border; Foundation Planting; Hedge; Mass Planting; Screen/Privacy; Specimen