Syringa × persica
Common name: 
Persian Lilac
Pronunciation: 
si-RING-ga PER-si-ka
Family: 
Oleaceae
Genus: 
Syringa
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Deciduous shrub, 4-8 ft (1.2-2.4 m) tall with a somewhat greater width, densely branched, upright, then arching.  Leaves opposite, simple, lanceolate, 3-6 cm long, occasionally pinnate or 3-lobed, dull dark green.  Flower clusters 5-8 cm long, pale-lilac, but also selections that are white, light pink or dark pink,  fragrant.
  • Sun or part shade.  Powery mildew may be a problem on leaves in some areas.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 5
  • S. × persica has been cultivated for a very long time, in Persia and elsewhere.  At one time it was considered a separate species, but is it sterile, and hence considered a hybrid, possibly of S. afghanica × S. laciniata, or of S. oblata and S. laciniata. However, it is sometimes regarded as a stable, juvenile form of S. laciniata.
  • Oregon State Univ. campus: northeast corner of Pharmacy; south side 11th Street Gate
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, flowering

    plant habit, flowering

  • flower culsters

    flower clusters

  • flower clusters

    flower clusters

  • flower cluster and leaves

    flowr cluster and leaves

  • leaves

    leaves

  • plant habit, summer

    plant habit, summer

  • leaves, summer

    leaves, summer