Mount Baker Lilac

Overview & Description

The Mount Baker Lilac (Syringa x hyacinthiflora Mount Baker) is a vigorous, upright hybrid lilac developed in 1961 by Frank Skinner in Dropmore, Manitoba. It is celebrated for its profuse, showy panicles of fragrant, pure white single flowers that bloom in mid-spring, approximately 7-10 days before common French lilacs. Its heart-shaped, dark green foliage emerges with a purplish cast in spring and remains attractive throughout summer, turning outstanding deep purple to bronze in fall. This cultivar exhibits excellent disease resistance and cold hardiness.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, multi-stemmed, spreading growth habit. It is a medium-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 10 to 12 feet in both height and spread. It grows at a moderate rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

Additional Notes

It blooms in mid-spring. Hardy to Zone 2, it thrives in full sun and well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, tolerating a range of soil types and urban pollution. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds but is deer resistant. Prune immediately after flowering as it blooms on old wood. An outstanding choice for hedges, screens, foundation plantings, or as a fragrant specimen where extended bloom time, clean white flowers, and multi-season interest are desired.