Lilac flower names evoke images of springtime, purple clouds of blossoms, and the sweetest fragrance known to the gardening world. These beloved shrubs have graced gardens for centuries, symbolizing first love, youthful innocence, and the gentle arrival of warmer days. lilacs belong to the genus Syringa, which includes over 20 species and thousands of cultivated varieties, each with its own unique name, color, bloom time, and fragrance intensity.
The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) originated in southeastern Europe and quickly spread across the continent through trade routes and monastery gardens. Since the 16th century, plant breeders have developed hundreds of cultivars with flowers ranging from deep purple and violet to soft lavender, pink, white, magenta, and even pale yellow. Some varieties bloom early in spring, others late, allowing gardeners to extend the lilac season for weeks. Whether you’re planting a new shrub, researching for a garden project, or simply appreciating these beautiful blooms, this comprehensive guide covers every notable lilac flower name you need to know.
Most Popular Common Lilac Varieties (Syringa vulgaris)
These classic lilac varieties have stood the test of time, remaining favorites for generations of gardeners.
Common Purple Lilac
The original wild form of Syringa vulgaris produces panicles of light purple, intensely fragrant flowers. It grows 12-15 feet tall and blooms in mid-spring. This is the lilac your grandmother probably grew.
President Grévy
One of the most famous French hybrids, President Grévy produces large double flowers in soft lilac-blue. The fragrance is strong and sweet. Blooms in late spring, extending the season.
Charles Joly
This double-flowered deep magenta-purple lilac won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Very fragrant with excellent dark green foliage resistant to powdery mildew.
Madame Lemoine
A classic white lilac with huge double flowers. The pure white blooms stand out beautifully against dark green leaves. One of the most popular white lilacs ever bred.
Sensation
This unique lilac produces purple flowers with crisp white edges on each petal. The bicolor effect is striking and memorable. Blooms mid-season with excellent fragrance.
Ludwig Spaeth
Deep reddish-purple single flowers in large, heavy panicles. One of the darkest lilacs available. Blooms mid-season with very strong fragrance.
| Variety | Color | Flower Type | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Purple | Light purple | Single | Mid-spring |
| President Grévy | Lilac-blue | Double | Late spring |
| Charles Joly | Magenta-purple | Double | Mid-spring |
| Madame Lemoine | White | Double | Mid-spring |
| Sensation | Purple with white edges | Single | Mid-spring |
| Ludwig Spaeth | Deep reddish-purple | Single | Mid-spring |
French Lilac Names (The Lemoine Family)
Victor Lemoine of Nancy, France, is the most famous lilac breeder in history. His nursery introduced over 200 lilac varieties between 1870 and 1930, revolutionizing the flower worldwide.
Victor Lemoine
Named after the breeder himself, this lilac produces large, double lavender-blue flowers. Very vigorous growth with excellent disease resistance.
Michel Buchner
Double soft pink flowers that fade to almost white. Delicate and romantic with strong fragrance. Named after Lemoine’s son-in-law.
Marechal Foch
Deep pinkish-purple double flowers. Named after the famous French World War I military leader.
Mrs. Edward Harding
Double lilac-pink flowers with a reddish tint. Very large trusses.
Olivier de Serres
Double dark violet-purple flowers, very rich in color. One of the darker French lilacs.
Mme. Antoine Buchner
Double soft pink flowers with excellent fragrance. Very reliable bloomer.
Leon Gambetta
Double reddish-purple flowers, very showy.
| French Variety | Color | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Lemoine | Lavender-blue | 1880 |
| Michel Buchner | Soft pink | 1890 |
| Marechal Foch | Pinkish-purple | 1900 |
| Mrs. Edward Harding | Lilac-pink | 1915 |
| Olivier de Serres | Dark violet-purple | 1895 |
| Mme. Antoine Buchner | Soft pink | 1905 |
| Leon Gambetta | Reddish-purple | 1908 |
White Lilac Flower Names
White lilacs represent purity, innocence, and elegance. These varieties bring light to any spring garden.
Madame Lemoine
The gold standard of white lilacs. Large, double, pure white flowers with incredible fragrance.
White Angel
Single white flowers on a more compact shrub (only 6-8 feet tall). Excellent for smaller gardens.
Beauty of Moscow (Krasavitsa Moskvy)
White double flowers that open from pale pink buds. A Russian variety with exceptional fragrance.
Edith Cavell
Double white flowers, very late blooming. Extends the lilac season significantly.
Joan of Arc
Double white flowers, similar to Madame Lemoine but slightly smaller. Very vigorous grower.
Mont Blanc
Single white flowers in very large panicles. The name means “White Mountain” in French.
Vestale
Single pure white flowers with a delicate, sweet fragrance. Elegant and understated.
Ellen Willmott
Double white flowers named after the famous English gardener. Very reliable bloomer.
Pink Lilac Flower Names
Pink lilacs range from soft blush to deep rose, offering romance and delicate beauty.
Beauty of Moscow
White flowers that emerge from pale pink buds, giving a pinkish blush effect. Very unique.
Madame Antoine Buchner
Soft shell-pink double flowers. Very romantic and fragrant.
Pasteur
Deep rose-pink single flowers. Very intense color for a pink lilac.
President Roosevelt
Deep pink double flowers with good fragrance. Named after the American president.
Olivier de Serres
Dark pink to purple-pink double flowers. Rich coloring.
Rochambeau
Pinkish-mauve single flowers. Named after the French general who fought in the American Revolution.
Florence
Soft lilac-pink with large flower trusses.
| Pink Variety | Shade | Flower Type |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty of Moscow | Blush pink (opens white) | Double |
| Madame Antoine Buchner | Shell pink | Double |
| Pasteur | Deep rose-pink | Single |
| President Roosevelt | Deep pink | Double |
| Olivier de Serres | Dark pink-purple | Double |
| Rochambeau | Pinkish-mauve | Single |
| Florence | Lilac-pink | Single |
Purple and Violet Lilac Names
Deep purples and violets represent royalty, mystery, and traditional lilac beauty.
Charles Joly
Deep magenta-purple. Very dark and rich. Double flowers with intense fragrance.
Ludwig Spaeth
Reddish-purple single flowers. Very dark and striking.
President Lincoln
Clear medium purple single flowers. Named after Abraham Lincoln.
Congo
Very dark red-purple single flowers. Almost wine-colored.
Paul Thirion
Double reddish-purple flowers. Very large panicles.
Monge
Deep reddish-purple single flowers. Named after the French mathematician.
Night (Nacht)
Extremely dark purple, one of the darkest lilacs available. Single flowers.
Blue and Lavender Lilac Flower Names
True blue is rare in flowers, but lilacs achieve beautiful lavender-blue shades.
President Grévy
Lilac-blue double flowers. One of the most famous French hybrids.
Blue Skies
Single light blue-lavender flowers. Very reliable bloomer.
Wedgewood Blue
Soft powder-blue single flowers. Named after the famous blue pottery.
Wonderblue
Clear light blue single flowers. Unusually true blue for a lilac.
Lavender Lady
Soft lavender single flowers. Compact shrub good for smaller gardens.
Blue Boy
Light blue single flowers. This name always delights gardeners.
| Blue/Lavender Variety | Color Description | Flower Type |
|---|---|---|
| President Grévy | Lilac-blue | Double |
| Blue Skies | Light blue-lavender | Single |
| Wedgewood Blue | Powder-blue | Single |
| Wonderblue | Clear light blue | Single |
| Lavender Lady | Soft lavender | Single |
| Blue Boy | Light blue | Single |
| Blue Heaven | Sky blue | Single |
Late-Blooming Lilac Flower Names
Extend your lilac season with varieties that bloom after the common lilac finishes.
Miss Canada
Deep pink flowers that bloom late. Vigorous grower.
Royalty
Very dark purple late-blooming lilac.
James Macfarlane
Deep pinkish-purple, very hardy. Blooms reliably even after harsh winters.
Agnes Smith
White late-blooming lilac with excellent fragrance.
Pocahontas
Reddish-purple late bloomer. Named after the Native American historical figure.
Mount Baker
White late-blooming lilac. Good for extending the season.
Dwarf and Compact Lilac Flower Names for Small Gardens
Not everyone has room for a 15-foot lilac shrub. These compact varieties fit smaller spaces.
Bloomerang
Re-blooming lilac that flowers in spring and again in summer and fall. Soft purple-pink. Grows 4-5 feet.
Baby Kim
Very compact (only 2-3 feet). Light purple flowers. Perfect for containers.
Tiny Dancer
Very small lilac (3-4 feet). Pink-purple flowers.
Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’)
Very popular small lilac (4-5 feet). Lavender-pink flowers. Highly fragrant.
Miss Kim (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’)
Lavender-blue flowers that fade to white. Grows 6-8 feet. Very late blooming.
| Compact Variety | Height | Color | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomerang | 4-5 feet | Purple-pink | Re-blooming |
| Baby Kim | 2-3 feet | Light purple | Extremely compact |
| Tiny Dancer | 3-4 feet | Pink-purple | Very small |
| Dwarf Korean | 4-5 feet | Lavender-pink | Very popular |
| Miss Kim | 6-8 feet | Lavender-blue | Late blooming |
Species Lilac Names (Beyond Syringa vulgaris)
These lilac species offer unique characteristics not found in common lilacs.
Syringa meyeri (Meyer Lilac)
Compact shrub with purple-pink flowers. Very resistant to powdery mildew. Native to China.
Syringa patula (Miss Kim Lilac)
Lavender-blue flowers with excellent fall foliage color (burgundy red). Very hardy.
Syringa pubescens
Soft pink flowers on a compact shrub. Native to Korea and China.
Syringa microphylla (Littleleaf Lilac)
Small leaves and very fragrant pale pink flowers. Blooms later than common lilac.
Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)
Grows as a small tree (20-30 feet) rather than a shrub. Creamy white flowers in early summer.
Syringa pekinensis (Peking Lilac)
Another tree lilac with creamy white flowers and peeling cinnamon-colored bark.
Syringa josikaea (Hungarian Lilac)
Deep purple flowers on a shrub that tolerates wetter soil than other lilacs.
| Species Name | Common Name | Height | Unique Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syringa meyeri | Meyer Lilac | 4-6 feet | Mildew resistant |
| Syringa patula | Miss Kim Lilac | 6-8 feet | Great fall color |
| Syringa microphylla | Littleleaf Lilac | 6-8 feet | Small leaves, late bloom |
| Syringa reticulata | Japanese Tree Lilac | 20-30 feet | Grows as tree |
| Syringa pekinensis | Peking Lilac | 15-20 feet | Peeling bark |
| Syringa josikaea | Hungarian Lilac | 10-12 feet | Wet soil tolerant |
Old-Fashioned Heirloom Lilac Names
These historic varieties have been grown for generations and deserve preservation.
Common Purple Lilac
The original European lilac brought to America by colonists.
White Persian Lilac (Syringa x persica)
Delicate white flowers on a smaller shrub. Very old variety.
Red Persian Lilac
Reddish-purple flowers, equally old and charming.
Marie Frances
Double pink flowers, very old French variety.
Albert F. Holden
Very dark purple single flowers. Introduced over 100 years ago.
Katherine Havemeyer
Double lavender-pink flowers. An American heirloom.
Lilac Flower Names by Color: Complete Reference Table
| Color Group | Best Varieties |
|---|---|
| Deep Purple | Charles Joly, Ludwig Spaeth, Congo, Night |
| Purple | Common Purple, Paul Thirion, Monge |
| Violet | President Lincoln, Olivier de Serres |
| Lavender-Blue | President Grévy, Wedgewood Blue, Blue Skies |
| Lavender | Lavender Lady, Miss Kim, Dwarf Korean |
| Lilac-Pink | Florence, Rochambeau |
| Deep Pink | Miss Canada, Pasteur, James Macfarlane |
| Soft Pink | Mme. Antoine Buchner, Michel Buchner |
| Blush Pink | Beauty of Moscow |
| White | Madame Lemoine, White Angel, Edith Cavell, Joan of Arc |
| Bicolor | Sensation (purple with white edges) |
Lilac Flower Names by Bloom Time
Early Blooming Lilacs
- Common Purple
- Sensation
- Charles Joly
- President Lincoln
Mid-Season Lilacs
- Madame Lemoine
- Ludwig Spaeth
- President Grévy
- Beauty of Moscow
Late Blooming Lilacs
- Miss Kim
- James Macfarlane
- Royalty
- Miss Canada
Re-blooming Lilacs (Spring + Summer/Fall)
- Bloomerang
- Bloomerang Dark Purple
- Bloomerang Pink Perfume
Lilac Names for Babies Inspired by the Flower
The beauty of lilacs has inspired many baby names.
Girl Names from Lilac Varieties
- Lilac itself
- Lila
- Liliana
- Violet
- Lavender
- Florence
- Edith
- Beatrice (from Beauty of Moscow)
- Grace (from President Grévy)
- Marie (from Marie Frances)
- Jeanne (from Joan of Arc)
- Catherine
- Madeline (from Madame Lemoine)
- Rose (from Rosy Lilac)
- Belle
Gender-Neutral Names
- Sensation
- Royal
- Blue
- Sky (from Blue Skies)
- Angel (from White Angel)
Boy Names from Lilac Breeders and Related Terms
- Victor (Lemoine)
- Charles (Joly)
- Ludwig (Spaeth)
- Lincoln (President Lincoln)
- Monge
- Roosevelt
- Oliver (Olivier de Serres)
- Leon (Gambetta)
- Michel (Buchner)
- Edgar (etymologically related)
Symbolism and Meaning of Lilac Flower Names
Beyond their beauty, lilac names carry rich symbolism across cultures.
| Lilac Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Purple Lilac | First love, youthful innocence |
| White Lilac | Purity, innocence, humility |
| Pink Lilac | New love, romance, affection |
| Blue Lilac | Happiness, tranquility, peace |
| Lilac (general) | Spring, renewal, nostalgia |
Victorian Flower Language Meanings
In Victorian floriography (the language of flowers), lilacs held specific meanings. Purple lilacs meant “the first emotions of love.” White lilacs symbolized “youthful innocence” and “humility.” Giving someone lilacs indicated a new, pure love. The fragrance was believed to evoke memories and nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lilac Flower Names
What are the most popular lilac flower names?
The most popular lilac varieties include Common Purple, Madame Lemoine (white), Charles Joly (magenta-purple), President Grévy (lilac-blue), and Sensation (purple with white edges).
What is the darkest lilac flower name?
The darkest lilac varieties include Night (Nacht), Congo, and Ludwig Spaeth. These produce deep reddish-purple to almost purple-black flowers.
What lilac has the strongest fragrance?
Most lilacs are fragrant, but President Grévy, Madame Lemoine, and Common Purple are often cited as having the most intense, sweet fragrance.
Is there a yellow lilac?
True yellow lilacs do not exist. The closest is Primrose, a pale cream to light yellow cultivar, but it is very rare and not widely available.
What is the best lilac for small gardens?
For small gardens, choose Miss Kim (6-8 feet), Dwarf Korean Lilac (4-5 feet), Bloomerang (4-5 feet), or Baby Kim (2-3 feet).
What is the difference between lilac and lavender?
Lilac and lavender are different plants entirely. Lilac (Syringa) is a shrub with larger flowers and a sweeter, more intensely floral fragrance. Lavender (Lavandula) is a smaller herbaceous perennial or sub-shrub with a more herbal, camphor-like scent.
Conclusion
Lilac flower names represent centuries of horticultural passion, breeding excellence, and pure springtime joy. From the classic Common Purple that has graced gardens since the 16th century to modern re-blooming wonders like Bloomerang that flower from spring through fall, these varieties offer something for every garden, every climate, and every taste. Whether you prefer the deep mystery of Ludwig Spaeth, the pure elegance of Madame Lemoine, or the charming bicolor of Sensation, each named lilac carries its own story, fragrance, and memory. Plant one in your garden. Breathe deeply when it blooms. And remember — lilacs are not just flowers. They are mid-spring magic given a name.
Ethan Carter is a nature enthusiast and content writer with a passion for flowers and botanical knowledge. He is the author behind FlowerNamez, where he shares simple and informative content about flower names, types, and meanings.
With a focus on clarity and accuracy, Ethan aims to help readers explore the beauty of flowers and understand their significance in everyday life.