Sensation Lilac

Sensation is an upright, deciduous common lilac valued for large panicles of purple florets edged in white. The fragrant flowers appear around mid-May, and the shrub’s green foliage provides a clean summer background. Its size and strong spring display suit a specimen spot, flowering border, hedge, privacy screen, or cutting garden. ## Site and growth Grow in full sun and well-drained soil; Monrovia recommends neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Its moderate growth and typical garden size vary with climate and pruning, so retain space for a broad mature shrub. The exact-selection profile places it in USDA zones 3–7. ## Seasonal interest The purple-and-white flower pattern is most visible in spring and attracts pollinators. The flowers can be cut for indoor arrangements. ## Maintenance Water regularly through the first growing season. After establishment, water when the top two inches of soil dry, increasing irrigation before and during flowering. Prune after bloom to shape the shrub and preserve next year’s flower buds. The cultivar’s U.S. patent is PP 1,242, granted in 1954. [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/sensation-lilac.html) · [Dawes Arboretum](https://dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org/taxon-28374.aspx).