Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine' – Classic White Lilac with Exceptional Fragrance
Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine' is one of the most beloved and enduring varieties of the common lilac, cherished for its magnificent, densely packed panicles of pure white, double flowers and its intensely sweet fragrance. This elegant deciduous shrub bursts into bloom in late spring, delivering a breathtaking floral display that has made it a treasured garden classic for over a century.
The flowers open from creamy-yellow buds, gradually revealing pure white blooms arranged in large, conical clusters that can reach an impressive length. As the blossoms unfurl, they release a rich, heady scent that drifts across the garden, making this lilac a natural choice for planting near seating areas, windows, or pathways where its perfume can be fully appreciated.
With an upright, multi-stemmed habit and heart-shaped, mid-green foliage, 'Madame Lemoine' develops into a handsome, rounded shrub that contributes structure and seasonal interest to borders and garden schemes throughout the year. It is fully hardy across the UK and, once established, is remarkably easy to grow and long-lived.
Why Choose Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine'?
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Pure White Double Flowers – Large, densely packed panicles of elegant white blooms for a striking late spring display.
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Exceptional Fragrance – One of the most intensely scented lilacs available, filling the garden with a classic sweet perfume.
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Upright, Structural Habit – Develops into a bold, rounded shrub that serves as a stunning garden focal point or specimen plant.
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Excellent for Cut Flowers – Beautifully scented blooms make superb long-lasting arrangements indoors.
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Fully Hardy & Long-Lived – Robust, reliable, and capable of thriving for many decades with minimal intervention.
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Wildlife Friendly – Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity during spring.
Habit & Appearance
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Flowers: Pure white, fully double blooms in large, conical panicles opening from creamy-yellow buds in late spring, typically May.
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Fragrance: Richly and intensely scented with the classic sweet lilac perfume.
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Foliage: Broad, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves providing an attractive backdrop throughout the growing season.
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Growth Habit: Upright and multi-stemmed, developing a rounded, bushy form over time.
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Mature Size: Typically reaches 3–4 metres in height with a spread of 2–3 metres at maturity.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK.
Perfect For
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Mixed shrub borders and cottage garden schemes
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Specimen or focal point planting in lawns and garden beds
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Informal hedging and screening
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Planting near patios, pathways, and windows to enjoy the fragrance
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Cutting gardens and floral arrangements
Planting & Care Guide
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Position: Full sun is essential for the best flowering and fragrance — at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
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Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is preferred. Lilacs thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.
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Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to support establishment. Once settled, 'Madame Lemoine' is relatively drought tolerant and requires watering only during prolonged dry spells.
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Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth and a generous flower display. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
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Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering, as blooms are produced on the previous year's wood. Remove spent flower heads and any dead or crossing branches to maintain shape and encourage a good display the following season. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or autumn, as this risks cutting off developing flower buds.
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Mulching: Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base in spring to retain soil moisture
