Young tree in a black pot on landscape fabric at a nursery, with bright green new leaves and other pots in the background

Close-up of glossy green leaves on a shrub with a blurred outdoor background.

Young tree in a black plastic pot on black landscaping fabric outdoors, with several bare branches.

Potted shrubs lined up in a nursery, with a dirt lot and yellow construction equipment in the background.

Young potted plant with bright green leaves outdoors in sunlight.

Close-up of glossy green leaves on a sunlit shrub with brown branches in a garden edge morning light.

Sensation Lilac

Bicolor Spring Blooms
Classic Lilac Fragrance
Long-Lived Landscape Shrub

Our Guarantee Customer Reviews

#7 Container

$111.00

22 in stock

Size

Clear

Add installation for only _ per item!

$111.00

The Grasshopper Guarantee

We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you’re not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we’ll replace them at no cost to you. Trees and plants are living organisms and require care, maintenance, and protection to survive, root in, and establish properly. Trees that do not survive despite receiving the proper care, maintenance, and protection within the first year will be considered for a one-time replacement. If you purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, or have not properly cared for your new plants as described in your welcome letter, your purchase won’t be covered by our Grasshopper guarantee.
FREE Local Delivery

Grasshopper Gardens offers free home delivery to customers in our local service areas. Experience the convenience of having your plants delivered straight to your home, free of charge, saving you time and effort.

Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

518-793-9623.
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518-793-9623

Sensation Lilac

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.

Sensation Lilac

Sensation Lilac is a classic flowering shrub known for its fragrant purple blossoms edged in bright white, creating a striking two-tone effect each spring. Its dramatic flowers, upright growth, and beloved lilac fragrance make it an outstanding focal point for borders, screens, and cottage-style landscapes.

Why choose Sensation Lilac?

Sensation Lilac stands apart from traditional lilacs thanks to its distinctive bicolor flowers, featuring deep purple petals outlined by crisp white edges. The fragrant blooms attract pollinators while providing one of spring’s most recognizable garden scents. Its upright, rounded habit works well as a specimen, flowering hedge, or mixed border shrub. Gardeners value its long lifespan, reliable spring flowering, and attractive green foliage that provides structure throughout the growing season long after the blooms have faded.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’
Common Name: Sensation Lilac
Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, rounded shrub

Sensation Lilac Additional Information

Sensation Lilac is prized for producing abundant clusters of fragrant, deep purple flowers with narrow white margins in mid to late spring. The eye-catching blossoms create a unique display unlike most common lilacs and are excellent for fresh-cut arrangements. Blooming occurs on older wood, making proper pruning timing important for maintaining future flower production.

This deciduous shrub develops dense green foliage through spring and summer, providing an attractive backdrop in the landscape after flowering concludes. As autumn approaches, leaves are shed before winter dormancy. Sensation Lilac is commonly used as a specimen shrub, flowering hedge, privacy screen, or backdrop planting where its spring display can be fully appreciated. Established plants offer decades of seasonal beauty when planted in a sunny location with good air circulation. Its combination of fragrance, distinctive coloration, and traditional garden appeal makes it one of the most recognizable and sought-after lilac cultivars.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Choose a location with good air circulation and enough space for the shrub to develop its natural form.

2. Watering: Water regularly during establishment to encourage a strong root system. Mature plants benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods.

3. Pruning: Prune shortly after flowering if shaping is needed. Since flower buds form on older stems, post-bloom pruning helps preserve next year’s blossoms.

4. Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and improve soil quality over time.

Related Resources

FAQs

When does Sensation Lilac bloom?
Sensation Lilac typically blooms in mid to late spring, producing highly fragrant flower clusters that create a colorful seasonal display.
What makes Sensation Lilac unique?
It is famous for its unusual flowers featuring deep purple petals outlined with bright white edges, creating a striking bicolor appearance.
Does Sensation Lilac need full sun?
Yes. Full sun promotes the strongest flowering, healthiest growth, and best overall plant performance.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Lush Foliage
Full Sun
Flowering

Mature Height	Small: Up to 15 ft
Mature Spread	10-20 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate
Bloom Time	Late Spring, Early Summer
Botanical Name	Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation'
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Oleaceae
Flower Color	Blue/Purple, White
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Medium
Size	#7 Container

Map of the United States with all 50 states shaded green to show full coverage.

Growing Zones 3-7 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -40)

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Mature Height	Extra Large: Above 6 ft	Small: Up to 15 ft	Large: Up to 6 ft	Extra Large: Above 6 ft	Extra Large: Above 6 ft	Small: Up to 15 ft
Mature Spread	5-10 ft	5-10 ft	0-5 ft	5-10 ft	5-10 ft	5-10 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate, Slow	Fast	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate, Slow	Fast, Moderate
Bloom Time	Early Spring	Mid Summer	Early Spring	Early Summer	Late Spring, Early Summer	Early Summer
Deer Resistant	Usually	Usually	Usually	Usually	Usually	Usually
Family	Adoxaceae	Rosaceae	Adoxaceae	Adoxaceae	Oleaceae	Rosaceae
Flower Color	White	Yellow/Orange	White	White	Blue/Purple	White
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Needs	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low