Syringa vulgaris ‘Mme Lemoine’ – fragrant white lilac with double flowers

Syringa vulgaris ‘Mme Lemoine’ is a classic and highly valued variety of common lilac, renowned for its double, white, fragrant flowers. The inflorescences are abundant, elegant, and bright, creating a spectacular effect in spring, especially in romantic gardens, courtyards, along pathways, or in relaxation areas.

It is a hardy ornamental shrub with a classic appearance, ideal for permanent planting in the garden and for arrangements with other lilac varieties in purple, pink, or bluish shades.

Botanical characteristics

• Outdoor ornamental shrub with deciduous foliage.
• Double, white, fragrant flowers grouped in abundant panicles.
• The buds may sometimes have a slight creamy-green tint, while the open flowers become pure white.
• Flowering takes place in spring, usually in April-May, depending on the weather and location.
• Green, natural foliage typical of common lilac.
• Suitable for solitary planting, decorative groups, informal hedges, or planting beside pathways and terraces.

Growing conditions and care

• Light: prefers direct sunlight. For abundant flowering, planting in the brightest possible location is recommended.
• Watering: moderate. Water regularly after planting until established; afterward, it becomes fairly tolerant of normal periods of drought.
• Soil: prefers fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. It does not tolerate compact, heavy, or constantly wet soils.
• Fertilizing: in spring, a fertilizer for ornamental shrubs or flowering plants can be applied.
• Pruning: spent flowers can be removed immediately after flowering. More substantial pruning should also be done after flowering, because lilac forms the flower buds for the following year during the current season.
• Cold hardiness: it is highly resistant to Romanian winters and suitable for permanent planting in the garden. It can tolerate temperatures of approximately -25°C / -30°C, depending on the location, plant maturity, and soil drainage.

Recommended substrate

For planting in the garden, well-loosened, fertile soil improved with mature compost is recommended. If the soil is clayey or retains water, incorporating coarse sand, fine gravel, perlite, or another drainage material is advisable.

For growing in large pots, a fertile substrate for outdoor plants can be used, mixed with perlite or pumice for better drainage. Avoid highly acidic substrates and excess water around the roots.

What makes it special

‘Mme Lemoine’ is one of the most elegant white lilac varieties, valued for its double, fragrant flowers and its clean, bright appearance. In the garden, it creates a beautiful contrast beside purple or pink varieties and brings a classic, refined, old-fashioned garden feel.

It is a suitable choice for customers looking for a fragrant, hardy, and distinctive lilac in a color that is easy to integrate into any landscape design.

📌 Note: Syringa vulgaris 'Mme Lemoine' is a deciduous shrub, and the appearance of its foliage naturally varies depending on the season. Starting in autumn, the leaves may turn yellow, develop spots, partially dry out, or gradually fall as the plant enters dormancy.

During the cold season, specimens may be delivered with reduced foliage, leaves with an aged appearance, or even without leaves, depending on the time of year and growing conditions. This is normal for the species and does not indicate a viability problem.

Height including pot: 40-60 cm (depending on the season and horticultural work)