Syringa, better known as lilac, is one of those plants that feels woven into the fabric of spring itself. Few shrubs announce the season with such confidence, filling the garden with billowing panicles of exquisitely scented flowers just as the days begin to soften. A Syringa in bloom turns even the simplest space into something quietly romantic, its perfume drifting on the air and stopping visitors in their tracks. From classic soft mauves and creamy whites to richer purples and delicate blush tones, Syringa offers a colour palette that suits both traditional borders and more relaxed, naturalistic planting schemes. Long-lived and reassuringly robust, Syringa is happiest in full sun, where it rewards patience with a dependable display that improves with age.

In the garden, Syringa is wonderfully versatile. Lilac can be grown as a specimen shrub, trained into a small multi-stemmed tree, or used to create an informal flowering hedge with real presence. Syringa partners beautifully with spring bulbs, roses and early perennials, extending the sense of abundance as the garden wakes up. Once established, Syringa is remarkably low-maintenance, asking only for good light and well-drained soil to perform reliably year after year. Whether planted for fragrance, nostalgia, or sheer seasonal impact, Syringa earns its place with ease, offering a moment of pause each spring when the garden feels especially generous.