Early lilac is a perennial shrub or tree in the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to China. The species epithet, Latin for “oblate,” highlights the fact that the leaves are wider than they are long. It is hardy, preferring hot summers and cold winters. Good air circulation is needed to prevent diseases. Early lilac grows best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils where the pH hovers between slightly acidic and slightly alkaline. Removing the spent blooms before they set seed will give you more blooms the next year. This is the earliest-blooming lilac, but consequently, flower buds are susceptible to frost injury in early spring. This is the only lilac that gives any appreciable autumn color. This is best planted near a patio or walkway where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Powdery mildew can be an issue on the foliage in late summer. Leaf spot may also appear. Aphids, caterpillars, borers, and scale are insects that may damage this plant.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.