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Syringa vulgaris 'Aurea'



Some plants are like unspoken fears, they whisper to you relentlessly from dark shadows. This golden leaved lilac drew my attention in 2012 in a garden centre and I determined to buy it but events started to run out of control and it didn't happen. They were nice large plants and I had the urge to root a dozen cuttings but the opportunity escaped.
I was delighted to discover in 2013 that a friend had seen the same plants, had the same thought and produced a number of delightful little plants. My deficiency has been corrected.

Emerald Plants say:

"Syringa Vulgaris Aurea commonly known as Bright Lilac is a beautiful deciduous shrub or small tree. With heart shaped leaves, golden yellow colour when young, maturing into a darker, lime green colour with age. In the warmer months of May and June the Syringa Vulgaris Aurea will bloom beautiful purple sprays of tiny flowers, great for attracting wildlife and the added bonus of a beautiful scent to accompany it.
A brilliant all round garden plant, suiting almost any garden type or planting scheme. Working really well in a mixed border, where the height and colour of the blooms will create some architectural height and bright colours, in the warmer months."

Let's Go Planting say:

"‘Aurea’ is prized for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions. It typically blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of fragrant, pale purple flowers. The yellow foliage of the shrub provides a striking contrast to the flowers, making it a standout addition to any garden.
One of the most notable characteristics of ‘Aurea’ is its compact growth habit, which makes it an excellent choice for small gardens and urban landscapes. In addition to its ornamental value, the plant is also highly valued for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The history of Syringa Vulgaris ‘Aurea’ can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it was first discovered as a chance seedling in Europe. The shrub quickly gained popularity for its unique yellow foliage, which provides a striking contrast to the traditional green leaves of the common lilac."



26th April 2013



References:
  • Emerald Plants, https://emeraldplants.co.uk/product/syringa-vulgaris-aurea/ , accessed 24.12.2025.
  • Let's Go Planting, https://www.letsgoplanting.co.uk/product/syringa-vulgaris-aurea/#:~:text=Syringa%20Vulgaris%20'Aurea'%20is%20a%20deciduous%20shrub,vibrant%20yellow%20foliage%20and%20sweetly%20fragrant%20flowers. , accessed 24.12.2025.