Syringa pubescens
'Full bloom'Syringa pubescens
Oleaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Syringa pubescens is a deciduous shrub native to northern China, reaching 6-12 feet tall with small, narrow leaves and panicles of fragrant, pale pink to lilac flowers appearing in late spring. The plant is more refined and less coarse than common lilac.
This species is hardy to zones 3-7 and thrives in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. It is less susceptible to mildew and scale than common lilac and requires minimal maintenance. The late bloom time extends the lilac season in the garden.
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Field Observations
Phenological Calendar
As of June 4, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2458.5 to 2700.8 GDD₃₂. Syringa pubescens has passed 'full bloom' (1892 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 4, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,701 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,695 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,637 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,598 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,564 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,560 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,459 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
View full calendar (3 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | — Observed | 'Early-mid May' |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 1604 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 1892 Observed | 'Mid-May' |
Sources: 'Master catalog (OSU), GDD50 base' ; observed bloom at Issaquah WA 2026-05-14 (~2120 GDD₃₂, ~3 days / ~85 GDD₃₂ after flower-buds-visible on 2026-05-11). [VERIFY] Cultivar may go from BBCH 51 → 65 quickly under cool/wet pattern ; intermediate stage BBCH 61 (first bloom) not captured.' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 4, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 20, 2026, then climate normals.
