Common Purple Lilac Facts

The common purple lilac is sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Shrubs.” That’s not only because it is extremely beautiful, but also because it has many highly desirable properties for gardeners. These are plants that are hardy, highly fragrant, and easy to care for.

Common Purple Lilac Facts

The height of the purple lilac is another very appealing quality, which means that this flower can look equally great at either the front or the back of a flower bed. But it’s the scent that makes it really stand out, filling your space with a really sweet aroma.

For those reasons, purple lilacs have been increasing in popularity year on year. And what’s even nicer to know is that this plant is fascinating, with a rich history and truly remarkable biology. Keep reading to uncover fascinating details about this flower that you can share as interesting trivia.

Links to Greek Mythology

The common lilac tree plays a crucial role in the story of Pan. According to legend, Pan, the god of forests and fields, fell in love with the nymph Syringa, though she did not return his feelings.

Pan was chasing Syringa through the forest on one occasion, and so she turned herself into a lilac shrub to conceal herself from his view. Pan found Syringa, but without recognizing her, he went on to turn the plant into the very first panpipe.

The Greek word “Syrinks” means “pipe,” which is also the origin of the lilac’s scientific name, Syringa.

Lilacs Represent Different Things

The cultural significance of lilacs goes beyond Greek mythology. Lilacs symbolize many different things depending on where you are in the world. For many, they represent renewal and spring, owing to their status as early bloomers.

The Celtics believed that lilacs were magical, which is due to their sweet scent. During Victorian England, Lilacs were a symbol of love. Widows would commonly wear lilacs during this time.

In Russia, it was once believed that holding a sprig of lilac over a newborn baby could bring them wisdom.

Lilacs Belong to the Same Family as the Olive Tree

From a botanical perspective, the lilac shrub shares its family with the olive tree. Both belong to the family Oleaceae, which has more than 20 different plant species, including ash and jasmine. It often comes as a surprise, as lilacs don’t appear to have much in common with their towering relative, the olive tree.

Some Common Purple Lilacs Can Grow Huge

The link is easier to understand, knowing that lilacs span more than 1,000 varieties. Some of these trees can grow up to 30 feet tall, including the Peking lilac and Japanese lilac.

Lilacs Have a Long Lifespan

I said at the start of this post that lilacs were hardy. In fact, lilacs are extremely resilient and can even live to be over 100 years old!

In this way, lilacs often stand as relics that preserve pieces of history. If you are driving down a country road somewhere and spot a bunch of random lilac bushes, there is a high chance that there was once a farm or a house there. Think of lilacs like echoes of a garden.

Lilacs are truly remarkable flowers that give many reasons for us to love them!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is the common purple lilac referred to as the “Queen of Shrubs”?

The common purple lilac earns its regal nickname due to its striking beauty, highly fragrant blooms, hardiness, and ease of care, qualities that make it a favorite among gardeners.

What is the historical and mythological significance of the lilac?

Lilacs play a role in Greek mythology through the story of Pan and Syringa, from which the plant gets its scientific name, and they also symbolize renewal, love, and wisdom in various cultures around the world.

How tall can common purple lilacs grow, and how many varieties exist?

While many lilacs are manageable garden shrubs, some varieties like the Peking and Japanese lilac can soar up to 30 feet tall, with more than 1,000 different varieties available for gardeners to choose from.

What plant family are lilacs part of, and which other plants are related to them?

Lilacs are members of the Oleaceae family, which they share with the olive tree, ash, and jasmine, despite their very different appearance and characteristics.

How long do purple lilacs typically live, and what does their presence often indicate?

Purple lilacs are exceptionally long-lived, capable of surpassing 100 years, and are often found as lasting markers of old homesteads or gardens, serving as echoes of past landscapes.

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