Yankee Doodle Lilac

Plant in spring or fall in well-drained, near-neutral to slightly alkaline soil, spacing 8–10 feet apart. Yankee Doodle is a large, upright common lilac with large, deep purple flower clusters and a strong, classic lilac fragrance. It adapts to average conditions and is very cold hardy. Water well at planting and mulch lightly. Choose a site with full sun and good air circulation.

Prune right after flowering. Remove spent flower clusters to direct energy toward next year's buds. Rejuvenate old, leggy plants by removing one-third of the oldest canes each year over three years. Fertilize in spring. Common lilacs are exceptionally long-lived — specimens over 100 years old are not uncommon. The large, fragrant deep purple flower clusters are among the most beloved fragrances of the late spring garden.