Jesse Saylor
Family
Oleaceae
Botanical Name
Syringa vulgaris 'Mont Blanc'
Plant Common Name
Common Lilac
General Description
This is very old French white-flowered lilac that was bred near Nancy, France at the famous Lemoine Nursery where many French lilacs were developed. It was introduced in 1915 and is registered as foundation stock for the development of contemporary hybrids. It is not the best of the white-flowered forms. The famous lilac specialist Father John L. Fiala said of this cultivar, “It is a rather poor grower with pallid leaves that requires considerable pruning.”
When not in bloom this upright, open deciduous shrub offers little interest, but it is beautiful when its pretty flower panicles appear in spring to early summer. 'Mont Blanc’ offers white flowers that are highly fragrant and ideal for cutting. The blooms are held at tips of the branches and attract loads of bees, butterflies and many other insect pollinators.
Lilacs develop their best habit and flowers when grown in full sun and prefer average to fertile soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline and well-drained. Though moderately drought tolerant, it still prefers supplemental water during very dry spells. Next year's flower buds are set shortly after blooming, so prune directly after its yearly display.
There are several serious pests and diseases that plague lilacs. Lilac borers can be a fatal, so keep an eye out for their telltale half-moon shaped holes along the trunks. Powdery mildew is also a yearly problem. Extreme drought stress can invite both.
French lilacs make fine feature plants. Cut their fresh blossoms for fragrant, long-lasting flower arrangements.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10'-12' / 3.0m - 3.7m
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Width
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Eastern Europe
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
