Lilac Plants and Trees

"Lilacs are one of those plants that truly transform a garden - not just with their breathtaking blooms, but with their unmistakable, sweet fragrance that fills the air each spring. I�ve chosen this collection to bring you the very best lilacs, from the classic, richly scented varieties to compact options ideal for patios. These hardy, low-maintenance shrubs are a joy to grow, rewarding you with armfuls of flowers year after year. Whether you�re after a stunning focal point or a fragrant hedge buzzing with pollinators, lilacs deliver effortless beauty with minimal fuss!"
Peter McDermott, Head Gardener

Choose the Right Lilac for Your Garden

Lilacs are varied in shape and size, so it helps to think about how they�ll fit into your garden layout. Taller lilac trees and larger shrubs make excellent focal points and are ideal if you want height, screening or a showy centrepiece. Compact lilac shrubs remain small and work well in tight spaces, courtyards or patio pots. Some are bred for a stronger scent or more prolific flowering, and others offer unusual colours beyond the classic lilac-purple. This makes it easy to choose a lilac plant that best suits your garden style and the space you have available.

Caring for Your Lilac Plant

Lilacs prefer to be out in full sun and in well-drained soil, and they�re quite forgiving once settled in. Young plants appreciate consistent watering in their first season, but established shrubs tolerate some drier spells. A light prune after flowering helps shape the plant and encourages fresh stems, which is where the following year's flowers will form. Adding a mulch in early spring can give them a helpful boost, especially in poorer soils. With this simple care routine, lilacs can thrive for decades and become a dependable feature in the garden.

A Beautiful Addition to a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Lilacs are well known for their nostalgic scent, but they�re also one of the most dependable spring options for attracting wildlife. Their nectar-rich flowers entice bees, butterflies and hoverflies in large numbers, helping to support early-season pollinators. They naturally team with cottage garden classics such as roses, peonies, foxgloves and geraniums, creating a layered, seasonal display. As they mature, lilacs can become structural plants that mark the start of spring each year with colour, scent and plenty of wildlife interest.