Lilac vs. Buddleia: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
Lilac is a spring-flowering shrub known for its fragrant purple or white blossoms, while Buddleia, or butterfly bush, blooms in summer and attracts butterflies with its colorful, spiked flowers.
Key Differences
Lilac is a deciduous shrub that blooms in the spring with clusters of highly fragrant flowers in shades of purple, white, and sometimes pink. It is commonly used in gardens and landscapes for its beautiful and aromatic blooms. Buddleia, also known as butterfly bush, flowers in the summer and continues into fall. It is renowned for attracting butterflies and other pollinators with its long, spiked flowers that come in a variety of colors including purple, pink, white, and yellow.
Lilac prefers cooler climates and needs a period of cold dormancy to bloom properly, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. On the other hand, Buddleia is more adaptable to warmer climates and can grow in zones 5-10, often thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
Lilac bushes tend to grow in a more upright, vase-like shape and can reach heights of up to 20 feet, depending on the variety. In contrast, Buddleia has an arching, sprawling habit and typically grows 6-12 feet tall, though some dwarf varieties are smaller.
Lilac flowers are usually short-lived, lasting only a few weeks in late spring, while Buddleia blooms for a longer period, often from mid-summer to the first frost, providing a longer season of color and nectar for pollinators.
Comparison Chart
Bloom Time
Spring
Summer to fall
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Flower Colors
Purple, white, pink
Purple, pink, white, yellow
Climate Preference
Cooler climates (zones 3-7)
Warmer climates (zones 5-10)
Growth Habit
Upright, vase-like
Arching, sprawling
Bloom Duration
Few weeks in spring
Several months from summer to fall
Lilac and Buddleia Definitions
Lilac
A pale, purple color similar to the flower.
She wore a lilac dress to the party.
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Buddleia
A flowering shrub known for attracting butterflies.
The buddleia in the yard attracts dozens of butterflies every day.
Lilac
A popular ornamental plant used in gardens and landscapes.
They planted lilacs along the fence for privacy and fragrance.
Buddleia
A plant that blooms from summer to fall.
The buddleia provides continuous color throughout the summer.
Lilac
The flowers of the lilac shrub, known for their pleasant scent.
She picked a bouquet of lilacs for the dining table.
Buddleia
A hardy shrub that can grow in a variety of climates.
Buddleia thrives even in less-than-ideal soil conditions.
Lilac
A deciduous shrub with fragrant purple, white, or pink flowers.
The lilac bushes in the garden are blooming beautifully this spring.
Buddleia
An ornamental plant used to attract pollinators.
The garden's buddleia bushes are teeming with bees and butterflies.
Lilac
The scent associated with lilac flowers.
The room was filled with the sweet smell of lilacs.
Buddleia
Also called butterfly bush, it has long, spiked flowers.
She loves the vibrant blooms of the buddleia in her garden.
Lilac
Any of various shrubs of the genus Syringa, especially S. vulgaris, which has been widely cultivated for its clusters of fragrant flowers that are usually purplish or white but may be pink, blue, or creamy yellow depending on the cultivar.
Buddleia
See butterfly bush.
Lilac
A pale to light or moderate purple.
Buddleia
A tree or shrub of the genus Buddleja, especially Buddleja davidii, a large ornamental shrub whose lilac flowers attract butterflies.
Lilac
A large shrub of the genus Syringa, especially Syringa vulgaris, bearing white, pale-pink, or purple flowers.
Buddleia
Tropical shrub having clusters of white or violet or yellow flowers
Lilac
A flower of the lilac shrub.
Lilac
(color) A pale purple color, the color of some lilac flowers.
Lilac
Having a pale purple colour.
Lilac
A shrub of the genus Syringa. There are six species, natives of Europe and Asia. Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac, and Syringa Persica, the Persian lilac, are frequently cultivated for the fragrance and beauty of their purplish or white flowers. In the British colonies various other shrubs have this name.
Lilac
A light purplish color like that of the flower of the purplish lilac.
Lilac
Any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
Lilac
Of a pale purple color
FAQs
When does lilac bloom?
Lilac blooms in the spring, typically from late April to early June.
How tall can lilac bushes grow?
Lilac bushes can grow up to 20 feet tall, depending on the variety.
Which climates are suitable for Buddleia?
Buddleia is adaptable to warmer climates and can grow in USDA zones 5-10.
How tall can Buddleia grow?
Buddleia typically grows between 6-12 feet tall, with some dwarf varieties available.
Can lilac grow in full sun?
Yes, lilac prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Which climates are suitable for lilac?
Lilac thrives in cooler climates, particularly in USDA zones 3-7.
How long do lilac flowers last?
Lilac flowers typically last a few weeks in spring.
When does Buddleia bloom?
Buddleia blooms from mid-summer to the first frost in fall.
What are the flower colors of lilac?
Lilac flowers can be purple, white, or pink.
What are the flower colors of Buddleia?
Buddleia flowers come in purple, pink, white, and yellow.
How long do Buddleia flowers last?
Buddleia flowers can last several months, from summer to fall.
Are Buddleia easy to care for?
Yes, Buddleia are hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in various conditions.
Is lilac fragrant?
Yes, lilac flowers are known for their strong, pleasant fragrance.
Do Buddleia require cold dormancy?
No, Buddleia does not require cold dormancy and is more heat-tolerant.
What is the growth habit of Buddleia?
Buddleia has an arching, sprawling growth habit.
Are lilacs easy to care for?
Yes, lilacs are relatively low-maintenance once established.
Is Buddleia fragrant?
Buddleia flowers are less fragrant but very attractive to butterflies.
Can Buddleia grow in full sun?
Yes, Buddleia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
What is the growth habit of lilac?
Lilac has an upright, vase-like growth habit.
Do lilacs need a period of cold dormancy?
Yes, lilacs require a period of cold dormancy to bloom properly.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
