Growing zones
See Zone Map >Status: In stock
Please note: #5 containers cannot be shipped to Arizona,California,Idaho,Montana,Nevada,Oregon,Utah,Washington due to size restrictions.
- Sun
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
10-12' x 10-12' 
Bloom Season:
Spring
- Attracts Bees
- Deer Resistant
- Salt Tolerant
- Stone Mulch
- Attracts Butterflies
- Cut Flower
- Fragrant Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting and Care: Common Purple Lilac Shrubs
Follow our guide on how to plant and nurture this beloved deciduous shrub. Learn essential tips and techniques to ensure your lilac bushes thrive.
Preparation
- Purple lilac flowers best in full sun but tolerates light shade.
- Choose an open site protected from strong, drying winds, where air circulates freely, to reduce the risk of leaves becoming mildewed.
- These shrubs need well-drained, organically rich soil.
- Avoid chalky spots, which may cause lime-induced chlorosis, when leaves turn creamy yellow and die.
- Plant your purple flowers from March to November.
Opening Plant Material
- Bare Root: Cut open the bundle (top and roots are tied) and separate all the plants. Soak roots in buckets of water until planted. Each plant type will be labeled separately for identification. Do not expose the roots to the sun. They should never dry out. Keep roots covered. All bare-root plants must be trimmed when planted.
- Balled & Burlapped (B&B): Soak root ball very well. Dig a hole at least 6" wider and no deeper than the size of the ball on the plant. Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move trees by the tops.
- Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger container of water until they stop bubbling. Remove the plant from the water. Dig a planting hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more, ensuring it’s wider on the sides.
Planting Bare Root
- Plant bare roots in the fall. Ensure the ground is not frozen and remains workable. Delay planting if a hard frost is expected.
- Dig a hole at least 6" wider and the same depth as the root mass. The crown or graft of the plant should be slightly higher than the ground level where it was grown at the nursery.
- Trim off the broken roots and branches.
- Place fertilizer packets in the hole (if purchased). Do not place other fertilizers in the planting hole. *Use our recommended fertilizer.
- Spread the roots and fill halfway with soil. Then, water until the soil settles completely, saturating the soil and planting pit.
- Re-adjust plant and fill the hole with the rest of the soil.
Backfill the balance of the soil and water well. - Check out our Handling and Planting Guidelines for illustrations on planting.
Planting B&B Trees
- Plant balled and burlapped trees during early spring or fall, as long as the soil is not frozen and can be easily worked. If a hard frost is expected, hold off on planting.
- Notice where the base of the trunk flairs out from the tree. This is called the root flair. This root flair should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball so the root flair is exposed.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use our recommended fertilizer.
- Backfill ½ of the hole with soil and completely saturate the soil with water.
Once the tree is straight and located as desired, cut and remove twine. Then, remove or bend back the top of the metal basket. Lastly, remove the exposed burlap from the top of ball. - Fill the hole to the top of the ball with soil. Then, soak well with water and let it settle.
- The top of the root ball should be visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
Add mulch on top of the soil. Make sure not to put mulch against the trunk or stems. - Check out our Handling and Planting Guidelines for illustrations on planting.
Planting Containers
- Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
- With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
- Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
Place the root ball in the hole. - Notice where the base of the trunk flairs out from the tree. This is called the root flair. This root flair should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball so the root flair is exposed.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use our recommended fertilizer.
- Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
Pruning - After Planting
- Bare Root: Prune ALL bare root plants to reduce transplant shock and ensure success. Pruning should occur either before or as soon as possible after planting. All pruning should be done with sharp pruning shears.
- B&B and Containers: Although it’s not essential for B&B or containers to be pruned after planting, light pruning for shape to remove any broken branches from shipping or to thin out a heavily branched plant will help in the transplanting process and in the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Throughout the Season
- Prune in November and December. Cut out spent flowers when petals fade. Keep bushes youthful and ensure fragrant blooms by pruning out a quarter of the older shoots each year in winter. Remove basal suckers.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately six weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every two to four days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the six-week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
- Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Watering - Throughout the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your common lilac plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. When there’s moisture, there’s no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover helpful insights and answers to common questions about the Common Purple Lilac, brought to you by McKay Nursery.
When does the Common Purple Lilac bloom?
The Common Purple Lilac typically blooms in late spring, producing fragrant purple flowers.
Is the Common Purple Lilac deer resistant?
Yes, the Common Purple Lilac is known for its deer-resistant qualities. It’s a reliable choice for gardens in deer-prone areas.
Can I use Common Purple Lilac as a cut flower?
Absolutely! Common Purple Lilac's fragrant flowers make it a perfect choice for cut flower arrangements.
How can I care for Common Purple Lilac to ensure healthy growth?
Provide it with adequate sunlight, regular pruning, and well-drained soil. Water it as needed, and it will thrive in your garden.
Can I plant Common Purple Lilac near my home or building?
While it can be used as a hedge near buildings, be cautious about planting it too close, as its creeping roots may cause damage.
What is the best time to plant Common Purple Lilac?
The ideal time to plant Common Purple Lilac is in the fall when the ground is workable. Avoid planting during hard frosts.
Get Your Common Purple Lilac Today!
Unleash the timeless charm of Common Purple Lilac in your garden. With its fragrant flowers, deer-resistant nature, and adaptability, it's the perfect addition to any landscape. For any queries or assistance, reach out to McKay Nursery at [email protected] or 920-478-2121.
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.