Madame Lemoine Lilac

Madame Lemoine Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine')

Madame Lemoine Lilac, Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Lemoine', is a classic French hybrid lilac celebrated for its large, double white flower clusters and strong, old fashioned fragrance on a substantial upright shrub. In mid to late spring, buds open to lush, fully double blooms that look almost like miniature white roses gathered into long panicles, glowing in morning and evening light and standing out crisply against fresh green foliage. The tall, multi stemmed habit gives real presence in the landscape, making Madame Lemoine a natural focal point near patios, paths, and property edges where its pure white bloom and sweet scent can be enjoyed up close year after year.

Distinctive Features

Madame Lemoine Lilac typically grows about 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, forming an upright, rounded shrub on multiple trunks. Flower trusses are large and conical, packed with fully double white florets that give the clusters a full, layered look and a soft, romantic texture in the garden. The classic lilac perfume is strong and sweet, especially on cool mornings and evenings when the air is still. Heart shaped green leaves emerge with the spring growth and remain attractive through summer, providing a leafy backdrop for perennials and smaller shrubs once the floral display has finished. The combination of fully double blooms, pure white color, and a sturdy framework makes this variety a standout choice for gardeners who want an elegant, high impact lilac.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily for heavy flowering, strong stems, and reliable bud set.
• Soil: Prefers well drained, moderately fertile soil and performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, but adapts to most average garden soils that do not stay wet.
• Water: Water regularly during the first few seasons to establish a deep root system; once established, provide occasional deep soakings during extended dry periods rather than frequent light watering.
• Hardiness: Well suited to cold winter regions where lilacs traditionally perform, as long as drainage is good and roots are not waterlogged.
• Size: Forms a substantial shrub about 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide at maturity, depending on climate, soil, and pruning.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that builds its main framework over several years and then settles into a steady pattern of spring bloom and summer foliage.

Ideal Uses

• Spring Feature Plant: Site near patios, decks, or front walks where the double white flower clusters and fragrance can be appreciated at close range.
• Informal Screens and Hedges: Plant in a loose row or staggered grouping to create a seasonal privacy screen that flowers in spring and stays leafy through summer.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Combine with viburnums, hydrangeas, roses, and evergreens to build layered borders with strong structure and changing color throughout the year.
• Cottage and Homestead Gardens: Pair with peonies, irises, phlox, and other traditional perennials for a nostalgic, country garden look with strong spring scent.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Grow near cutting beds to harvest long, double flowered stems that look luxurious in simple vases indoors.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water during hot or very dry weather with deep, occasional soakings to keep roots hydrated without saturating the soil.
• Pruning: Prune just after flowering by removing spent flower clusters and thinning a few of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage vigorous new shoots and maintain a balanced shape; avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, which can reduce the next year's bloom.
• Fertilizing: In early spring, apply a light dose of balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of compost if soil is lean; avoid heavy nitrogen that pushes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from the main stems.
• Seasonal Care: Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or right after bloom, and monitor for suckers, keeping them for a fuller clump or removing them to maintain a narrower outline.

Why Choose Madame Lemoine Lilac?

• Pure Double White Blooms: Large, fully double clusters bring a romantic, rose like look and bright white color to the spring garden.
• Classic Lilac Fragrance: Strong, sweet perfume turns paths, patios, and open windows into scented spring experiences.
• Elegant Garden Presence: Upright, rounded habit and clean green foliage provide structure and a refined backdrop beyond the bloom season.
• Excellent for Cutting: Long stems with full, double trusses are ideal for generous, fragrant spring bouquets indoors.
• Reliable Focal Point: With good sun, drainage, and timely pruning, Madame Lemoine Lilac returns year after year as a durable source of light, scent, and structure in sunny borders, informal screens, and traditional mixed shrub plantings.

With its lush double white blooms, powerful fragrance, and substantial upright form, Madame Lemoine Lilac is an excellent choice for adding a showpiece spring focal point, fragrant cut flowers, and long lasting structure to sunny gardens and outdoor living spaces.