Sensation French Lilac

Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’

Sensation French Lilac is a unique, showy lilac variety featuring deep purple flowers with striking white edges. It is highly fragrant, cold-hardy (Zone 3-7), and long-lived, making it an excellent choice for gardens, hedges, and mixed borders in Southwest Saskatchewan. Its classic lilac scent and bold two-toned flowers make it a standout in any landscape.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (well-suited for prairie climates and cold winters)
• Mature Size: 8-10 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight for best flowering)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and alkaline soils.
  • Avoid wet or compacted soil—lilacs dislike soggy roots.
• Spacing: 6-8 feet apart for a hedge, 8+ feet apart for individual plantings.

Watering

• Young Plants (First 1-2 Years): Water deeply once per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Lilacs prefer moderate soil moisture but do not tolerate standing water.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) in early spring to encourage flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it promotes leafy growth over blooms.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Immediately after flowering (late spring to early summer).
• How to Prune:
  • Remove spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms next year.
  • Trim dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain airflow and health.
  • Avoid heavy pruning, as lilacs bloom on old wood.

Flowering & Fragrance

• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (May-June)
• Flower Color: Deep purple with distinctive white edges
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet, classic lilac scent
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Powdery mildew and bacterial blight (common lilac diseases).

Common Pests:

• Lilac Borers – Cause wilting branches.
  • Solution: Keep plants healthy and prune out affected wood.
• Aphids – Can cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown leaf spots.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and remove infected leaves.
• Root Rot (Phytophthora) – A risk in wet soils.
  • Solution: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Deer & Rabbits: Generally resistant, but young plants may need protection.

Landscape Uses

Great for hedges, screens, and specimen plantings
Striking two-toned flowers stand out in gardens
Highly fragrant, perfect near patios and walkways
Cold-hardy and resistant to common lilac diseases
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

Additional Notes:

• Sensation Lilac is one of the most unique French lilacs, prized for its bicolor blooms and strong fragrance.
• Lifespan: 50+ years with proper care.
• Works well in formal gardens, cottage-style landscapes, and mixed borders.

Photo courtesy of Jeffries Nurseries