Syringa vulgaris 'Krasavitsa Moskvy’

Syringa vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’: Pearl-Pink Buds, Double White Perfume

Syringa vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’ is a legendary lilac for gardeners who love a soft, romantic spring display. Plump, pearl-pink buds open into fragrant, fully double blooms that read as creamy white with a gentle blush, giving each flower cluster a luminous, layered look. Blooming in late spring, it creates that classic lilac “scent moment” that stops you in your tracks near walkways and open windows. Strong and upright with a substantial presence, it matures into a lasting landscape anchor with unmistakable charm.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 240–360 cm
• Spread: 240–360 cm
• Flower Colour: Pearl-pink buds opening to double creamy white, often with a soft blush
• Flowering Period: Late spring
• Foliage: Heart-shaped green deciduous foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adaptable in average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: Ideal as a specimen, informal screen, or the backbone of a sunny shrub border, ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’ brings fragrance and flower power in a classic, garden-defining form. Plant it near patios, gates, or pathways where the perfume can be enjoyed up close, or use it as a spring focal point behind perennials and early bulbs. The flowers are also excellent for cutting, bringing that signature lilac scent indoors. Pollinators appreciate the bloom season as gardens ramp up into summer.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best bloom and strongest habit, and choose a site with good air circulation and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season, then provide deep watering during extended dry spells, especially in sandy sites. Mulch helps conserve moisture and reduce weeds, but keep it back from the stems. Prune right after flowering by removing spent blooms and, if needed, thinning a few older stems at the base over time to keep the shrub vigorous. Avoid late-summer or fall pruning, since next year’s flower buds form on current growth.

History: Often known as “Beauty of Moscow,” ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’ is a celebrated common lilac selection admired for its distinctive colour progression from pink buds to double white blooms. Its refined, pearl-like flowers and strong fragrance have made it a long-time favourite in traditional lilac plantings, and it remains a standout wherever classic spring flowering shrubs are prized.

Final Thoughts: For a lilac that feels both timeless and special, ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’ delivers a luminous late-spring bloom and unforgettable fragrance, the kind that turns an ordinary walk through the garden into a yearly tradition.