Common Lilac Tall suckering shrub or small tree. Glossy green heart-shaped leaves are adorned by sweetly fragrant flowers in late spring. The species itself is now rarely seen due to the large number of cultivars and hybrids. All lilacs are hungry and thirsty plants and should therefore be positioned with due consideration. Can be pruned hard to rejuvenate in mid-winter. Remove unwanted suckers as needed. Some flowering may be lost after pruning as flowers are produced on two year old wood. Site: Needs some shelterPosition: Full sun dappled shadeSoil:Well drained, moist, Seasons of interest: Summer flowers, Hardiness: HardyHeight: 20ft (6m) Spread: 15ft (4m) in 10-12 years