Depending on the climate and weather, lilacs, one of the most common spring bloomers in gardens, bloom from the beginning of May. However, the ornamental shrubs are striking not only because of their unfortunately short-lived splendor, but also because of their robustness, longevity - and their sheer size. Depending on the type and variety, lilacs can grow up to six meters high.
How high can lilacs grow?
Lilac bushes can reach different heights depending on the type and variety. While some smaller varieties such as Syringa meyeri 'Josee' only grow to a height of 100-150 cm, large species such as Syringa vulgaris can reach a height of 400-600 cm.
How fast does lilac grow?
Lilac is considered to be comparatively fast-growing and gains an average of around 30 centimeters in height and width per year. Since the shrub or small tree can grow very old at the same time, some species reach a height of up to six meters. However, this does not apply to all lilacs - some remain quite small at around 150 centimeters high (and are therefore very suitable for keeping in pots) or only reach a medium height of up to 300 or 400 centimeters. The growth in width is also very different.
Average height of different species and varieties
The table below gives you a practical overview of the different growth heights, widths and speeds of popular lilac species and varieties.
| Art | Variety | Growth height | Growth width | Growth rate | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syringa vulgaris | Wild lilac | 400 – 600 cm | 250 – 350 cm | 20 – 30 cm / year | purple to violet |
| Syringa vulgaris | ‘Souvenir of Ludwig Späth’ | 250 – 350 cm | 150 – 200 cm | 30 – 50 cm / year | purple violet |
| Syringa vulgaris | ‘Primrose’ | 400 – 600 cm | 300 – 500 cm | 20 – 40 cm / year | light yellow |
| Syringa vulgaris | ‘Mme Lemoine’ | 250 – 300 cm | 150 – 180 cm | 20 – 50 cm / year | white, filled |
| Syringa vulgaris | ‘Katharine Havemeyer’ | 400 – 600 cm | 300 – 500 cm | 20 – 50 cm / year | purple-purple-pink, semi-double |
| Syringa vulgaris | ‘Sensation’ | 250 – 400 cm | 125 – 175 cm | 20 – 50 cm / year | purple to violet |
| Syringa vulgaris | ‘Michel Buchner’ | 250 – 350 cm | 125 – 175 cm | 20 – 50 cm / year | violet, filled |
| Syringa reflexa | Arched lilac | 300 – 400 cm | 300 – 400 cm | 10 – 30 cm / year | burgundy to dark pink |
| Syringa patula | ‘Miss Kim’ | 150 – 200 cm | 150 – 200 cm | 10 – 25 cm / year | violetpink |
| Syringa meyeri | ‘Josee’ | 100 – 150 cm | 60 – 80 cm | 5 – 20 cm / year | purple pink |
| Syringa meyeri | ‘Red Pixie’ | 80 – 125 cm | 100 – 150 cm | 10 – 20 cm / year | soft pink |
| Syringa josikaea | Hungarian Lilac | 300 – 400 cm | 300 – 400 cm | 20 – 35 cm / year | light purple |
| Syringa chinensis | ‘Saugeana’ | 300 – 400 cm | 300 – 400 cm | 10 – 20 cm / year | red purple |
| Syringa microphylla | ‘Superba’ | 150 – 200 cm | 150 – 200 cm | 10 – 30 cm / year | purple pink |
| Syringa meyeri | ‘Palibin’ | 100 – 150 cm | 100 – 120 cm | 5 – 20 cm / year | light purple |
Tip
If you want to grow a lilac in a pot, choose a variety that is as small as possible. The vigorous lilac can only be kept at the desired height with heavy pruning, which in turn often comes at the expense of the flowers.