Lilac 'Sensation'

Blue Sky Nursery

$34.99
Title
Prepare to be captivated by one of the most unique and sought-after lilacs in the world. 'Sensation' lives up to its name with extraordinary, bi-coloured blooms that feature deep purple petals distinctly edged in a crisp, snowy white. These large, honey-scented flower clusters create a dramatic "picotee" effect that looks as though each blossom has been hand-painted. Set against a lush backdrop of heart-shaped, emerald-green leaves, this award-winning shrub provides a sophisticated and high-contrast look that defines the beauty of a classic spring garden.
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Plant Details

Mature Size:

10' H x 8' W

Zone:

3-7

Watering:

Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Sensation Lilac, Common Purple Lilac 'Sensation', Picotee Lilac

Scientific Name:

Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation'

Type:

Ornamental Flowering Shrub

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: 8–12 feet tall with a spread of 8–10 feet.
  • Growth Habit / Form: Upright, leggy, multi-stemmed shrub with an irregular to rounded crown.
  • Growth Rate: Medium.
  • Longevity: Long-lived; can thrive for 30–50 years with proper care.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full Sun.
  • Soil Preferences: Prefers rich, neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil.
  • Soil Tolerance: Does well in clay, loam, or sandy soils as long as drainage is excellent.
  • Watering: Regular watering is needed, especially during dry spells in the summer.

Special Features:

Recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit; famous for its unique bi-colour "picotee" petals; excellent for cutting; attracts a high volume of pollinators.

Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom Information: Mid-spring; striking purple flowers with white margins; classically sweet lilac fragrance.
  • Fall Colour: Foliage typically turns a modest yellow to green-brown.
  • Bark: Becomes attractively furrowed and grey with age.

Garden Value:

A premier choice for a fragrant focal point or a stunning flowering hedge. Its unique bi-colour flowers make it a high-value specimen for "curb appeal" or as a sensory addition near patios and walkways.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: A magnet for butterflies, bees, and swallowtails.
  • Human Value: One of the most famous cut flowers in the world; the fragrance is often used in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Early spring or late autumn.
  • Spacing: 10–12 feet apart to ensure maximum air circulation.
  • Location Tips: Avoid crowded corners; good airflow is the best defense against mildew. Plant where the fragrance can be enjoyed by passersby.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun (6+ hours per day). Sun is essential for the best bi-colour definition.
  • Moisture Requirements: Prefers consistent moisture in well-drained soil. Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged.
  • Maintenance & Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove old wood.

Tolerances:

Cold hardy, deer resistant, and somewhat tolerant of urban conditions.

Tips For Success:

  • Thinning: Every few years, remove one-third of the oldest stems down to the ground to encourage rejuvenation.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to focus the plant's energy on next year's flower buds.
  • Winter Protection: Generally very hardy, but benefit from a layer of mulch over the root zone.
Fruit Profile