Declaration Lilac

Declaration is a fragrant, open, upright hybrid lilac developed and released by the U.S. National Arboretum. Its dark reddish-purple flower clusters open in spring and make it useful in shrub borders, deciduous hedges, and mass plantings. ## Flowering and size In the Arboretum’s 25-year Washington trial, Declaration reached 8.5 feet tall and about 6.5 feet wide. It bloomed in mid- to late April at that site; the Arboretum recommends it primarily for traditional, cooler lilac-growing regions. Growth will vary with region and culture. The [USDA cultivar account](https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/washington-dc/national-arboretum/docs/two-new-lilacs-from-the-us-national-arboretum/) describes the flowers, growth habit, mature trial size, and landscape uses. ## Siting Use the shrub as a fragrant spring feature where its broad mature spread has room. Pair it with later-flowering shrubs to extend the garden’s seasonal sequence. ## Maintenance If shaping is needed, prune after flowering. Leave the flower clusters in place until display ends, then remove spent or damaged stems as needed.