Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine' – A Classic Double White Lilac
Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine' is one of the finest and most beloved white lilacs available. This heritage variety, bred in the 19th century by Victor Lemoine, remains a favourite for its stunning double white flowers, delightful fragrance, and classic charm. It's a deciduous, medium to large shrub that bursts into bloom in late spring to early summer, producing upright panicles of creamy buds that open into pure white, fully double blossoms.
Its elegant flowers not only offer breathtaking beauty but also emit a powerful, sweet scent that fills the air — making it a must-have for traditional gardens, cottage borders, and scented shrub collections.
Why Grow Syringa 'Madame Lemoine'?
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Double White Blooms: Luxurious clusters of pure white, double flowers make a show-stopping display.
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Intensely Fragrant: Fills the garden with a heady, sweet lilac scent that attracts pollinators and enhances outdoor spaces.
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Classic Form: Grows as a tall, bushy shrub or can be trained into a small tree. Excellent as a specimen plant or in mixed borders.
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Hardy & Reliable: Extremely hardy and long-lived, thriving in a wide range of UK gardens.
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Excellent Cut Flower: The long-lasting blooms make beautiful, fragrant arrangements indoors.
Key Details
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Mature Height & Spread: 3–4m high × 2.5–3m spread
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Flowering Time: May to June
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Position: Full sun (best flowering); tolerates partial shade
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Avoid very wet or extremely dry sites.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy (H6)
Planting & Care Tips
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Planting: Best planted in autumn or spring. Position in full sun to encourage maximum flower production.
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Watering: Water regularly in the first year while establishing. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.
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Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
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Pruning: Prune lightly just after flowering to shape the plant and remove spent flower heads. Avoid hard pruning as lilacs bloom on old wood.
Ideal Companions
Syringa 'Madame Lemoine' pairs beautifully with spring bulbs like tulips or alliums, and contrasts well with darker-foliage plants like Physocarpus or purple-leafed Heucheras. It also looks stunning near roses or perennial borders where its white blooms can shine.
Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine' is the perfect choice for gardeners seeking an elegant, fragrant shrub with a timeless presence. Whether planted as a single statement piece or included in a flowering hedge, this classic lilac never fails to impress with its beauty and scent.
