Jesse Saylor
Family
Oleaceae
Botanical Name
Syringa vulgaris 'President Lincoln'
Plant Common Name
Common Lilac
General Description
Counted among the top ten lilacs for intense fragrance, this presidential variety also boasts beautiful lavender blue flowers. It is a large and vigorous grower that tends to sucker and become quite leafy. It was bred by famed lilac breeder John Dunbar (1859-1927) of Rochester, New York and introduced in 1916.
When not in bloom this tall, leafy deciduous shrub offers little interest, but it is beautiful when its conical flower panicles appear in spring to early summer. ‘President Lincoln’ offers lovely lavender blue flowers that are highly fragrant and ideal for cutting. The profuse 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. These coveted cut flowers are so potently fragrant that a vase will perfume a large room.
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
12'-15' / 3.7m - 4.6m
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Width
10'-12' / 3.0m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, 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, Summer
