Sensation Lilac

Sensation Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation')

Sensation Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation') is a striking and unusual French lilac known for its bold bicolor blooms. Also known simply as Sensation, this cultivar stands out with deep purple single flowers edged in clean white, creating a dramatic contrast that draws attention in any spring landscape.

Distinctive Features

This deciduous shrub grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide with an upright, multi-stemmed habit. In mid to late spring, it produces large, fragrant panicles of purple flowers outlined in white, a rare and showy coloration among lilacs. Heart-shaped green leaves offer attractive summer texture, and the flowers are long-lasting when cut.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy soil
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
• Water Needs: Moderate; water during extended dry periods
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in spring borders or cottage gardens
• Hedge or screening plant with seasonal color
• Cut flower arrangements with visual impact
• Pollinator-friendly planting with strong fragrance
• Accent shrub in mixed perennial beds

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune just after flowering to maintain shape
• Remove spent blooms to direct energy to new growth
• Apply mulch to regulate moisture and suppress weeds
• Feed with balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Maintain spacing for good airflow and mildew prevention

Why Choose Sensation Lilac

• Unique purple and white bicolor flowers
• Classic lilac fragrance with a bold visual twist
• Cold-hardy and reliable bloomer
• Excellent for cutting and attracting pollinators
• A dramatic focal point that stands out in spring gardens

Sensation Lilac offers unforgettable color and fragrance with its distinctive bicolor blooms, making it an eye-catching focal point that elevates traditional spring landscapes.