High Country Gardens
Syringa microphylla Superba
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners seeking fragrant, deer-resistant seasonal color.
The 'Superba' Littleleaf Lilac offers classic lilac beauty with reliable, fragrant blooms. This shrub features small, deep-green leaves and produces highly fragrant, deep pink flowers in mid-spring, often with a late summer rebloom. It boasts superior mildew resistance, making it a more robust choice than many common lilacs. Ideal for borders or hedges, it forms a well-behaved structure that remains attractive year-round. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, this lilac is a consistent performer for any garden.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2594
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Mature Height
57
/ - feet
Who it's for
- Cold-climate growers wanting fragrant, low-maintenance shrubs
- Gardeners seeking color throughout the entire growing season
- Urban dwellers with limited space or container gardens
Who should skip it
- Impatient landscapers wanting immediate, full-sized coverage
- Busy gardeners preferring low-maintenance, hands-off plants
- Purists seeking the intense, classic lilac fragrance
Performance breakdown
Disease Resistance
Superior mildew resistance keeps foliage pristine throughout the humid summer months.
Bloom Performance
Reliable spring flowering paired with a bonus late-season rebloom cycle.
Wildlife Attraction
Fragrant deep pink clusters act as a magnet for local pollinators.
Maintenance Ease
Drought tolerance and a well-behaved structure minimize the need for pruning.
Landscape Versatility
Perfectly suited for formal hedges, mass plantings, or large container gardening.
Deer Deterrence
Natural resistance helps protect your investment from hungry local wildlife.
Key Specs
Mature Height
5-7 feet
Mature Spread
10-14 feet
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-7
Soil Preference
Sandy, Alkaline, Well-Drained
Ships As
Potted Plant (5" Deep Pot)
Growth Rate
Moderate
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Features
- Superior mildew resistance for healthier plants
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Fragrant, deep pink blooms
- Reblooming capability for extended color
- Deer resistant
- Suitable for mass plantings or hedges
- Drought tolerant once established
- Container friendly
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and robust health of the Syringa microphylla 'Superba' upon delivery. Reviewers frequently mention the careful packaging ensures the plants arrive ready to thrive. The primary theme driving high satisfaction is the plant's reliability, particularly its impressive reblooming capability which extends the lilac season significantly. This dependable performance and vigorous growth make it an outstanding value for gardeners seeking long lasting color and a compact, hardy shrub.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is known for its reliable mid-spring bloom and its tendency to produce a secondary flush of fragrant, deep pink flowers in late summer.
The 'Superba' has a spreading habit, reaching a mature spread of 10 to 14 feet. Be sure to provide enough room for its width, especially if you are planting it as a hedge.
Yes, it is specifically noted for superior mildew resistance compared to many common lilac varieties, which helps it maintain healthier foliage throughout the growing season.
Absolutely. Because it is container-friendly, it works well in large pots, provided you use well-draining soil and ensure it receives plenty of sunlight.
This variety is considered deer resistant, making it a safer choice for gardens that frequently deal with browsing wildlife.
It performs best in well-drained soil and has a preference for sandy or alkaline conditions. Proper drainage is essential to keep the root system healthy.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$13