Gardening Trees, Shrubs & Vines Shrubs 10 Eye-Catching Lilac Varieties That Will Perfume Your Garden These spring blooms are both beautiful and amazingly fragrant. By Sheryl Geerts Sheryl Geerts Sheryl Geerts is an editor and author who has nearly three decades of writing and editing experience. She enjoys writing about garden, food, and home topics. Her bylines have appeared in Better Homes and Gardens, Allrecipes, Martha Stewart Living, and several other publications. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 12, 2023 Reviewed by David McKinney Reviewed by David McKinney David McKinney is an experienced plantsman sharing his expertise in horticulture. His knowledge spans landscape management, growing plants indoors and in the greenhouse, ecological plant selection, and much more. With nearly 15 years in the industry, he is well versed in both herbaceous and woody plants with additional interest in entomology. Learn about BHG's Gardening Review Board Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Ed Gohlich When looking for a lilac (Syringa spp.) to add to your garden, you literally have hundreds of varieties to choose from. To help you narrow down the list, these selections all have eye-catching and fantastically fragrant blooms that will perfume the air in spring. 01 of 10 Angel White Andre Baranowski In addition to their powerful scent, the pure white flower clusters of 'Angel White' lilac have an almost frothy look. This variety performs well in warm winter areas; not many lilacs bloom in the South, but 'Angel White' doesn't need a winter chilling period as other lilacs do to bloom. With a heavenly scent to match its visual appeal, this variety works well in hedges, screens, or as an accent in your landscape. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide Zones: 3-9 Also Look For: This lilac cultivar is sold under the name 'White Angel', too. 02 of 10 Beauty of Moscow Andre Baranowski The pink, pearl-like buds of 'Beauty of Moscow' lilac (also sold as 'Krasavitsa Moskvy') open into gorgeous double white flowers with a strong fragrance. It's also a big plant that grows almost like a tree, so 'Beauty of Moscow' needs to be pruned occasionally to keep it under control. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide Zones: 3-7 03 of 10 Congo Andre Baranowski An heirloom variety from the 1890s, 'Congo' produces deep wine-red flowers that are as fragrant as they are pretty. Its flower heads start as red and turn purple during late spring. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies also love this classic variety, so it's a must to include in a pollinator garden. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 10 feet tall and wide Zones: 4-7 Also Look For: 'Znamya Lenina' (sometimes sold as 'Banner of Lenin') and 'Monge' are other outstanding choices in this color range. 04 of 10 Lavender Lady Andre Baranowski The strongly fragrant flowers of 'Lavender Lady' grow in big clusters of a soft shade of purple (as you might expect from its name). It flowers in almost any part of the country, even without a winter chill period. You can fit this variety into a drought-tolerant garden plan because it can survive mild, periodic drought. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide Zones: 3-9 05 of 10 Maiden's Blush Andre Baranowski This distinct selection, developed in Canada, is extra hardy and produces big, round flower clusters (almost like a hydrangea) in candy pink. 'Maiden's Blush' has extremely fragrant blooms that have unique cinnamon tones, and usually blooms a week or two before most other common varieties. Remember to only prune it after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 8 feet tall and wide Zones: 2-7 Also Look For: 'Marie Francis' which is similar, but it blooms in salmon pink. 06 of 10 President Grevy Andre Baranowski Another classic favorite, 'President Grevy' offers double blooms that are light bluish-purple and wonderfully scented. Its heart-shape, green leaves have a slightly bluish tint that makes the foliage look extra attractive even when the blooms have faded. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide Zones: 3-7 Also Look For: 'President Lincoln', which has a similar color but has single flowers. 07 of 10 President Lincoln Andre Baranowski Noted for the blueness of the flowers, 'President Lincoln' is a fast grower with huge clusters of fragrant blooms. It has a history of being a popular selection in presidential gardens. Introduced in 1916, this variety is named in honor of Abraham Lincoln. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide Zones: 3-7 Also Look For: 'President Grevy', which has a similar color but with double flowers. 08 of 10 Primrose Andre Baranowski If you're wanting a lilac that's, well, not lilac, then give 'Primrose' a try. The flowers of this award-winning shrub are a pale, creamy yellow and white color. As the plant ages, the blooms turn a deeper shade of yellow. Its exceptionally fragrant blooms are fantastic in a flower arrangement. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide Zones: 3-7 09 of 10 Sensation Andre Baranowski While not quite as fragrant as other lilacs, 'Sensation' still does have a pleasant scent, but its bicolored blossoms are its most winning feature. Its purple blooms are distinctly edged in white. Even when not in bloom, this fast-growing flowering shrub will still look vibrant with its lush and dark green heart-shape leaves. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide Zones: 3-7 10 of 10 Tinkerbelle Andre Baranowski The dwarf lilac 'Tinkerbelle' is smaller in size than other varieties, but its flowers are no less abundant. Its compact branching allows it to squeeze into small gardens and even containers. The blooms are an unusually warm pink that stands out against the wine-red buds. This variety has a unique fragrance that's more spicy than sweet. Light: Full sun Water: Plant in moist, well-drained soil Size: To 6 feet tall and wide Zones: 3-7 Also Look For: Littleleaf lilac (Syringa pubescens sp. microphylla), which is also a smaller plant. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit