Wolf's Lilac

Wolf's Lilac (Syringa wolfii) is a large, fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree, 2m to 5m tall and 2m to 4m wide, that fills the garden with very fragrant pale lilac-mauve flowers each late spring. It is a hardy, deep-rooted lilac that handles frost and, once established, dry spells. The dark green leaves turn gold in autumn before they drop.

Why you'll love it

• Very fragrant flowers. Pale lilac-mauve flower heads open in late spring and scent the whole garden.
• Cold hardy. Frost tolerant once established, it is a proper cold-climate shrub.
• Relatively drought tolerant. Deep roots carry it through dry spells once it has settled in.
• Vigorous growth. It reaches shrub or small tree size quickly, so it fills a boundary without a long wait.
• Autumn gold. Dark green leaves colour to gold before they drop, adding a second season of interest.

Where it works best

Informal hedging. Plant 2m apart for a loose, flowering hedge. It suits a large boundary rather than a clipped formal line.

Feature shrub. Give it space on its own, near a path, window or seat where the scent can be enjoyed.

Backyard tree. Left to grow tall, it makes a small flowering tree with spring blossom and autumn colour.

Growing Wolf's Lilac in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Like all lilacs, it flowers best after a properly cold winter, so it is happiest in cool temperate gardens and worth trying in warm temperate districts with cool winters. It is not suited to the humid subtropics or the tropics.

Soil. Well-drained soil, preferably on the alkaline side. In acid soil, a little garden lime helps.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, around 12 weeks, and again during extended hot and dry periods. Mulch with organic compost or well-rotted manure in winter, and apply a slow release fertiliser in spring while it flowers.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to maintain dense growth, shape the plant and encourage new flowering shoots. Pruning at other times costs you the following spring's blossom.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Wolf's Lilac as tube stock and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical way to plant a long hedge. The 200mm pots are larger and give a boundary more presence in its first year. Young lilacs can take a few seasons to flower heavily, so plant for the long term.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse deciduous shrubs
• Fragrant plants for the garden
• Plants for cool climates
• Frost tolerant plants in Australia

Common questions

Will it flower in a warm climate?

Lilacs need a cold winter to flower well. It performs best in cool temperate gardens, can work in warm temperate gardens with cool winters, and is not recommended for the subtropics or tropics.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 2m apart. It is a large, informal shrub, so it makes a loose flowering hedge rather than a tight, clipped one.

Does it lose its leaves?

Yes, it is deciduous. The leaves colour to gold in autumn and drop, and new growth appears in spring.