focal · hard · premium
Lilac
Syringa vulgaris · aka syringa
The scent of lilac in a wedding venue is unforgettable — and unattainable at any other time of year. Short season (six weeks), short vase life (a week at best), and demanding conditioning requirements make lilac a luxury flower even when technically in season. Split the stems; strip the leaves; use the day it arrives.
At a glance
| Family | Oleaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southeastern Europe; commercially grown Netherlands, France |
| Peak season | April, May, June |
| Availability | March to June |
| Stem length | 50–80 cm |
| Vase life | 3–7 days |
| Colors | white, cream, blush, pink, purple, lavender |
| Price tier | premium |
Conditioning
Split the woody stem 2–4 cm with a knife. Strip all foliage below the waterline — lilac foliage wilts faster than the flowers, dragging the whole stem down.
Care in the vase
- •SPLIT the woody stem for water uptake
- •STRIP all leaves — they wilt before the flowers do
- •Short vase life (3–7 days) — plan for day-of-event use
- •Fragrance is one of the most beloved in floristry
