Pocahontas Lilac

Pocahontas is an early-flowering hybrid lilac with maroon-purple buds that open to fragrant, single dark-violet flowers. Its full upright panicles create a concentrated spring display, and the blooms can be cut for indoor fragrance. ## Form and conditions A nursery profile lists a mature height of 8–12 feet and spread of 6–10 feet, with full sun, moderate water, and USDA zones 3–7. The published ranges allow for differences in sites and growing conditions; allow generous room for an expansive shrub in a background planting. Oregon State University describes the cultivar’s maroon-purple buds opening to single dark-violet flowers and identifies it among Frank Skinner’s early-hybrid lilacs. See the exact-selection [Pocahontas profile](https://www.northwestblooms.com/shrubs/p/syringa-x-hyacinthiflora-pocahontas) and the [Oregon State hybrid lilac account](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/syringa-hyacinthiflora). ## Seasonal display Pocahontas blooms in early to mid-spring, before common lilac, and its fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies. Green, heart-shaped leaves may develop bronzy-red tones in autumn. ## Maintenance Shape the shrub and remove spent flower clusters immediately after bloom. Use it as a flowering background shrub or cut-flower plant where its mature spread can be accommodated.