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Young potted plant with bright green, oval leaves in a nursery setting.

Close-up of bright green glossy leaves on a small potted plant in sunlight.

Potted young shrub with multiple woody stems and bright green oval leaves on a gravel surface.

Young deciduous saplings in black pots arranged on gravel at a plant nursery.

Ludwig Spaeth Lilac

Deep Purple Blooms
Classic Lilac Fragrance
Excellent Cut Flowers

Our Guarantee Customer Reviews

#3 Container

$52.00

12 in stock

#5 Container

$86.00

14 in stock

Size

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Starting at $52.00

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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.
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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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Ludwig Spaeth 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
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Ludwig Spaeth Lilac

Ludwig Spaeth Lilac is a classic French lilac prized for deep purple, fragrant spring blooms, an upright shrub form, and excellent cut-flower stems. This deciduous shrub brings old-fashioned charm, seasonal color, and pollinator appeal to sunny borders, screens, cottage gardens, and specimen plantings.

Why choose Ludwig Spaeth Lilac?

Choose Ludwig Spaeth Lilac for its rich violet-purple flower panicles, strong fragrance, and dependable presence in cold-climate gardens. Its upright, multi-stemmed habit makes it useful as a flowering screen, backdrop shrub, or spring focal point, while the fragrant blooms are wonderful for cutting. This cultivar offers the beloved look and scent of traditional common lilacs with especially dark single flowers.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris ‘Ludwig Spaeth’
Common Name: Ludwig Spaeth Lilac
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed, rounded shrub

Ludwig Spaeth Lilac Additional Information

Ludwig Spaeth Lilac blooms in mid to late spring, producing fragrant clusters of single, deep purple flowers that stand out beautifully against fresh green, heart-shaped foliage. The flowers are highly valued for cut arrangements, and their classic lilac scent makes this shrub especially enjoyable near patios, walkways, entries, and garden seating areas.

This is a deciduous lilac, dropping its leaves in fall and returning each spring with a strong flush of foliage followed by bloom. Mature plants are commonly used in mixed shrub borders, informal hedges, privacy plantings, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. For best flowering, prune only after bloom, since common lilacs set next year’s flower buds on older wood. Removing spent flower clusters and thinning older stems as needed can help maintain airflow, shape, and a vigorous framework over time.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Ludwig Spaeth Lilac in full sun with well-drained soil. Set the root ball level with the surrounding soil, backfill firmly, and water well to settle the plant. Choose a location with good air circulation and room for mature growth.

2. Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep soil evenly moist while the shrub establishes. Once established, water during extended dry periods, especially in hot weather or sandy soils, while allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.

3. Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring if growth appears light. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

4. Pruning: Prune immediately after spring flowering. Remove spent blooms if desired, thin crowded interior stems, and take out older woody stems gradually to encourage fresh growth without reducing next year’s flower display.

Related Resources

FAQs

How big does Ludwig Spaeth Lilac get?
Ludwig Spaeth Lilac typically matures into a large, upright shrub, often reaching about 10 to 12 feet tall with a spread of roughly 6 to 10 feet when grown in favorable conditions.
When does Ludwig Spaeth Lilac bloom?
It blooms in mid to late spring, producing fragrant, deep purple flower clusters. Bloom timing may shift slightly depending on spring temperatures and local climate.
Where should I plant Ludwig Spaeth Lilac?
Plant it in a sunny, well-drained location where its spring fragrance can be enjoyed. It works well in shrub borders, informal screens, cottage gardens, and as a fragrant focal point near outdoor gathering areas.

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	5-10 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate
Botanical Name	Syringa vulgaris 'Andenken an Ludwig Spaeth'
Bloom Time	Late Spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Oleaceae
Flower Color	Blue/Purple
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Medium
Size	#3 Container, #5 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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Family	Adoxaceae	Rosaceae	Adoxaceae	Caprifoliaceae	Adoxaceae	Rosaceae
Flower Color	White	Red	White	Pink	White	Pink
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	10, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low