Common Purple Lilac vs Eastern Redbud - TreeTime.ca

Common Purple Lilac vs Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Syringa vulgaris

Eastern Redbud
Common Purple Lilac

The Eastern Redbud is known for the pea-like pink buds that emerge in clusters on the bark, embellishing the tree in stunning flowers. They have a longer bloom time, sometimes for two to three weeks before the heart-shaped leaves emerge for the summer. Inedible pods emerge that turn brown in the summer, this tree is a part of the bean family.

Native to the Eastern North America. The Eastern Redbud can tolerate acidic and alkaline soil. Plant this as a beautiful understory species or shaded residential yard or garden. The bright pop of color will make an attractive ornamental tree.

Common Purple Lilac is a popular lilac. This large shrub provides excellent privacy or wind protection in an attractive package.

Lilac flowers are pleasantly fragrant and add a beautiful lavender colour to your property. Common Purple Lilac is cold hardy, easy to grow, and can tolerate most soil types.

Some people alternate villosa and common purple lilacs to create the impression that the hedge is in flower for almost a full month with the common purple flowering about 2 weeks sooner than the Villosa Lilac.

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Common Purple Lilac Quick Facts

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Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Flowers: dark purple, extremely fragrant
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: judas tree
Other Names: common lilac, french hybrid lilac, lilac