Syringa vulgaris 'Katherine Havemeyer’

Syringa vulgaris ‘Katherine Havemeyer’: Double Lilac Blooms in a Classic Lavender Haze

Syringa vulgaris ‘Katherine Havemeyer’ is the kind of lilac that feels instantly familiar, generous fragrance, full flower panicles, and a strong spring presence. Dense, upright clusters of double lavender-purple blooms open in late spring, then soften to lilac-pink as the show continues. The flowers rise above heart-shaped foliage, creating that unmistakable lilac silhouette that looks beautiful from the street and even better up close. With a sturdy, multi-stemmed habit, it settles into a reliable garden feature that only gets more rewarding with time.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 240–300 cm
• Spread: 240–300 cm
• Flower Colour: Double lavender-purple, fading to lilac-pink
• Flowering Period: Late spring (3–4 weeks)
• Foliage: Heart-shaped green deciduous foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adaptable in average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: This is a standout shrub for sunny borders, foundation plantings, and classic cottage-style landscapes, especially where you can enjoy the fragrance along a walkway or near a patio. Its upright flowering panicles give strong vertical colour in spring, and the leafy structure provides a full green backdrop through summer. Plant it as a specimen, in a lilac grouping for a spring scent corner, or as part of an informal screen where bloom and fragrance are part of the experience.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best flowering and strongest growth. Water regularly during the first season to establish, then water during extended dry spells. Lilacs prefer good drainage, so avoid low spots where water collects. 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 pruning later in the season, since next year’s flower buds form on current growth.

History: ‘Katherine Havemeyer’ is a beloved common lilac selection known for richly fragrant, double florets and a refined lavender tone that softens as the blooms mature. It has remained popular because it delivers a classic lilac look with extra fullness in flower, giving spring displays a more luxurious, layered feel.

Final Thoughts: If you want a true spring lilac moment, fragrance in the air, double blooms on sturdy stems, and a shrub that becomes part of the garden’s identity, ‘Katherine Havemeyer’ is a timeless choice.