How to Grow Lemoine

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Lemoine

Syringa × prestoniae 'Lemoine'

shrub

Lemoine is a hardy hybrid lilac cultivar known for its fragrant, double flowers that bloom in late spring. It produces dense clusters of pale lavender-pink blooms with a distinctive sweet fragrance. This deciduous shrub is valued as an ornamental landscape plant for its showy flowering and winter hardiness.

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Example Lemoine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Lemoine
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Lemoine
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lemoine dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; blooming is reduced in partial shade

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Water: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during first growing season and during extended dry spells. Avoid waterlogged soil.

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Spacing: 120 inches

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Days to maturity:

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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball; do not bury the graft union

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or aged bark mulch Lime if soil is acidic

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-7, with best performance in zones 4-6

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young shrub with sparse branching and minimal flowering; focus is on root development

Water regularly to establish deep roots. Mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring.

Vegetative Growth

Years 2-3

Increasing branch structure and foliage expansion; gradual increase in flowering

Prune immediately after flowering to shape. Remove dead or crossing branches. Light fertilization in early spring.

Flowering

2-3 weeks typically in May-June

Dense panicles of double lavender-pink flowers appear on branch tips in late spring

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage energy for next season. Do not prune after mid-summer. Flowers appear on old wood.

Summer Dormancy

June-August

Foliage remains green but flowering is complete; plant focuses on branch hardening

Minimal pruning; allow plant to harden off. Water during dry periods. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizer.

Dormancy

November-March

Leaves drop in fall; shrub is bare and hardy through winter

No active care needed. Observe plant structure for future pruning. Apply winter mulch only in colder zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Forsythia Weigela Oakleaf hydrangea Spirea Conifers for backdrop Perennials (daylilies, peonies, salvia)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) Plants requiring acid soil Shallow-rooted competitors

Common Pests

Remove infested branches; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; avoid wounding the bark
Horticultural oil spray in early spring; prune heavily infested branches
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or neem oil if needed
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Increase humidity; horticultural oil; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization

Uses

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Cut flowers and floral arrangements

Household

Lemoine's fragrant, showy flower panicles make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for spring bouquets and fresh arrangements. The sweet fragrance fills a room naturally. [source]

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Fragrant dried flowers

Craft

Dried lilac flowers can be used in potpourri, sachets, and dried flower crafts. They retain color and some fragrance for several months. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Lilac flowers provide early-season nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators emerging in late spring. [source]

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Ornamental landscape specimen

Household

Lemoine is prized as a focal point in spring gardens, offering mass seasonal color, fragrance, and attractive deciduous structure year-round. [source]

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Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

In traditional folk medicine, lilac has been used to support immune function and overall wellness. Modern research explores potential phytochemical benefits. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Lilacs are grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested in the traditional sense. Cut flower sprays in early morning when fully open for fresh arrangements; they may last 1-2 weeks in water. Cut flowers for bouquets just before petals fully open for longer vase life.

Fun Facts

🌱 Lemoine lilacs are part of the Syringa × prestoniae hybrid complex, which produces exceptionally hardy lilacs bred to withstand Canadian winters and extend the lilac flowering season.
🌱 The name 'Lemoine' honors Victor Lemoine, a legendary French horticulturist and plant breeder in the 19th century who developed many double-flowered lilac varieties.
🌱 Lilac wood is extremely hard and dense; historically it has been used for ornamental turning, small tool handles, and smoking meat due to its fragrant smoke.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade

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