Dryland
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Botanical illustration of Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) — a deciduous shrub for USDA zones 3–7

Syringa vulgaris

Common Lilac

ShrubDeciduous
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Mature size
8–12 ft tall
6–12 ft wide
Sun
Full Sun–Part Shade
Water use
Low
USDA zones
3–7
Soil
Adaptable, drained
Bloom
Purple
Spring

Notable features

butterfliesdeer resistantfire resistantfragranthedgerain gardensscreenshowy bloom

Companion plants for Common Lilac

Six water-wise companions matched on water use, sun, USDA zone, and how they layer visually beside Common Lilac.

Botanical illustration of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — a evergreen perennial for USDA zones 5–9

English Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Perennial1–2 ft tallZones 5–9
Botanical illustration of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) — a deciduous grass for USDA zones 4–9

Switchgrass

Native

Panicum virgatum

Grass3–4 ft tallZones 4–9
Botanical illustration of Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum) — a evergreen groundcover for USDA zones 3–7

Snow-in-Summer

Cerastium tomentosum

Groundcover0.5–1 ft tallZones 3–7
Botanical illustration of Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) — a deciduous annual for USDA zones 2–11

Common Sunflower

Native

Helianthus annuus

Annual3–8 ft tallZones 2–11
Botanical illustration of Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) — a deciduous grass for USDA zones 4–10

Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora

Grass3–6 ft tallZones 4–10
Botanical illustration of Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) — a evergreen groundcover for USDA zones 4–8

Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina

Groundcover0.5–1.5 ft tallZones 4–8
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