Lilacs are the ultimate garden showstoppers, aren’t they? Between those stunning clusters of flowers and that unmistakable, nostalgic scent, they really make a statement. But before you dig a hole, you’ve got to consider their size. Depending on the variety and where you plant it, a lilac in your yard can reach a towering 20 feet!
A Quick Guide to Lilac Varieties and Growth Heights
Lilacs (*Syringa*) are what we gardeners call “fast growers.” You can expect them to put on about 12 inches of new growth (both height and width) every year. Since these beauties are long-lived—it’s not uncommon for them to hit the 50-year mark—they have plenty of time to turn into massive shrubs or even small trees. Generally, they top out anywhere between 5 and 20 feet tall, with most landing in that sweet spot of 10 to 13 feet. While height is easy to predict, their width can vary wildly depending on how much room they have to spread out.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a look at how high some popular varieties can get. With over 30 species out there, these are just a few of the most common ones. The classic Common Lilac (*Syringa vulgaris*), for example, usually ranges from 8 to 20 feet.
- Syringa vulgaris (Wild Lilac): 13 – 20 ft
- Syringa vulgaris “Andenken an Ludwig Späth”: 8 – 11 ft
- Syringa vulgaris “Sensation”: 8 – 13 ft
If you’re working with a smaller space, look for “Dwarf Lilacs” like *Syringa meyeri* “Palibin,” “Red Pixie,” or “Josee.” These little guys usually stay between 3 and 5 feet tall. On the flip side, if you want a massive privacy screen, these varieties are among the tallest:
- Syringa vulgaris “Primrose”: 13 – 20 ft
- Syringa vulgaris “Katharine Havemeyer”: 13 – 20 ft
For something right in the middle, these varieties are great choices:
- Syringa reflexa (Nodding Lilac): 10 – 13 ft
- Syringa josikaea (Hungarian Lilac): 10 – 13 ft
- Syringa chinensis “Saugeana” (Chinese Lilac): 10 – 13 ft
Small Lilac Varieties for Containers
If you’re dreaming of lilacs but only have a patio or balcony, don’t worry! Those dwarf varieties I mentioned are perfect for growing in pots. Technically, you could put any lilac in a container, but you’d have to work overtime to keep it small. That usually means heavy pruning, which unfortunately often comes at the expense of those beautiful blooms.
Your best bet is to stick with a dwarf variety for your terrace or balcony. Just make sure they get plenty of full sun and good air circulation. If you give them that, they’ll reward you with that same incredible fragrance and floral display as their giant cousins—just in a much more manageable package!
