Pocahontas Lilac

Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Pocahontas'

Nature Hills Nursery

Deep Violet Blooms Burst Two Weeks Earlier than Common Lilacs for Spring Color
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 2-7
Grows 10 ft Tall, 8 ft Wide
Showy Purple, Pink Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Ideal for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$81⁷³

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most abundant purple blooms, give your Pocahontas Lilac at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can handle partial shade, you will notice fewer flowers and a higher risk of powdery mildew if it does not get enough sun.
Soil: These shrubs prefer rich, well drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, or mix in some organic compost to improve drainage.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water your lilac twice a week to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once it is mature, this variety is quite drought tolerant, but providing a deep soak during summer dry spells prevents the leaves from curling or dropping early. Inconsistent watering during the bud set stage in late summer can lead to a disappointing bloom show the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Since Pocahontas Lilacs bloom on old wood, you must prune them immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Simply snip off the spent flower clusters down to the first set of leaves to encourage the plant to put energy into next year's buds. Think of it like a seasonal thinning; removing about one third of the oldest stems every few years keeps air flowing through the center and prevents the shrub from becoming leggy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer early in the spring just as the new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen lawn fertilizers near your lilac late in the summer, as this encourages soft green growth that will not harden off before the first frost. This late season surge makes the plant vulnerable to winter kill and can distract it from producing flower buds.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Attracts pollinators, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Clay Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	10 ft
Width	8 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Lilac
Botanical Name	Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Pocahontas'
Species	x hyacinthiflora
Cultivar	Pocahontas
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Your garden space is too precious for mediocre Lilac varieties. If you're looking for a top performer when it comes to bloom coloration and flower count the Pocahontas Lilac (Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Pocahontas') is a top contender. This striking, tall, and dramatic Lilac bursts onto the spring scene with a profusion of deep violet flowers that fill the air with the enchanting scent of spring.

The Pocahontas is a stately Lilac that creates a stunning display of deep purple flower buds. This variety blooms in early spring and opens to reveal even more opulent popping purple-colored florets. As these blooms open, you will notice that Pocahontas Lilac clusters take on an ombre of pinks and purples.

Prepare your camera. You will want to take pictures of these winged wonders as they pause among the clusters of dripping Lilacs. Not only is this Lilac known for its ample blooms that are unimaginably dark, but it also features even green foliage and a vigorous growth habit. You will have trouble deciding if you prefer the lavished spectacle of these flowers from a distance or the intricate, heart-shaped blooms and leaves up close. Luckily, you can appreciate both.

The fragrant blooms of this dark beauty cannot wait to show off its uniquely hued blooms and blooms two weeks earlier than French hybrids. Its blissfully deep buds will excite you and you'll wait alongside hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in anticipation for the Pocahontas Lilac's heavenly scent as each of its striking blooms opens. The heart-shaped leaves are a lush green and hold their color until fall.

Planting and Application:

Use it as a beautiful way to block the view of your neighbors as a screen. Or take advantage of its energetic growth habit and plant several ten feet from the back of your patio as an informal hedge. The rich hues of the Pocahontas Lilac make it a breathtaking addition as a back border, anchor planting and anywhere you can admire it from afar and up close.

Lilacs are a fantastic privacy screen with big benefits! Use a series of staggered rows to fill a wide, open area with magnificent spring blooms while blocking noise, prying eyes and slowing wind. You'll love the billowy, easy-breeze sense of privacy all season long. Create a mixed Lilac border for varied blooms and extended bloom times all spring!;

Add a few to your cottage border, behind a perennial garden and are must-haves to include in the cutting garden for plenty of fresh materials. Don't miss out on the dazzling beauty and alluring scent of the outstanding garden accents. Don't go another spring without a prolific source of fabulous Lilac blooms.

Blooms 2 Weeks Earlier Than French Hybrids
Great Windbreak & Privacy
Violet Panicle Blooms
Early Blooming Pollinator Plant
Deciduous Shrub - Great Fall Color

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The Pocahontas Lilac likes to dance in the sunshine and keep its feet dry with fast-draining soil. Plant Lilacs in enriched organic soil with moderate moisture access for best results. If you use nitrogen fertilizer, avoid getting any near the root ball. Mulch the area well so you won't have to worry about any lawn fertilizer around the base of this plant.

Deer-resistant so you'll be saved the time and trouble of dealing with costly measures to keep it safe from harm. If you live with deer in your area, apply repellent spray on planting day. Deer are hungry and curious, and you want to train them to leave your plants alone. Reapply according to the label.

Air circulation is important for Lilacs, so find a breezy place for them to perform at their best. It's best to avoid low spots or heavily enclosed locations that trap airflow. Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer with Dr. Earth Organic and All Purpose Fertilizer, following directions on the package.

Avoid removing the blooms or pruning the plant at any time except immediately after the flowers fade, to prevent removing next year's flowers. Don't miss a single bloom! Follow these easy Pruning steps for the best flowering. You can prune these flowering shrubs into small multi-stemmed tree-form for a unique specimen and garden highlight!

Full Sun
Easy to Grow & Low Maintenance
Adaptable to Many Soil Types
Moderate Moisture & Mulched Beds
Prune After Flowering

Let the Pocahontas Lilac show you the way with its glittering, shining, sweet-smelling blooms. Order yours at NatureHills.com while we still have them in stock.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Pocahontas Lilac?

Pocahontas Lilac typically reaches 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity. This vigorous grower makes an excellent screening plant or informal hedge. Space plants 6-8 feet apart for hedging, or allow full spread as a specimen shrub.

Does Pocahontas Lilac grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 9 or hotter climates)?

Pocahontas Lilac thrives in zones 3-7 and struggles in zone 9 or hotter climates. Lilacs need winter chill hours to bloom properly and perform best in cooler regions. For hot climate alternatives, check Nature Hills' heat-tolerant flowering shrub selection.

What type of soil does Pocahontas Lilac prefer, and does it need alkaline soil?

Pocahontas Lilac thrives in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5-7.5. Like most lilacs, it performs best when planted in fertile, loamy soil that doesn't stay waterlogged. Add lime to acidic soils before planting to achieve the ideal pH range.

Is Pocahontas Lilac deer-resistant or tolerant of pests and diseases?

Lilacs, including Pocahontas, are naturally deer-resistant due to their strong fragrance and leaf texture. This variety's vigorous growth habit helps it recover quickly from any minor pest damage. Plant in full sun with good air circulation to prevent common lilac issues like powdery mildew.

How hardy is Pocahontas Lilac in cold winters (zones 2-3)?

Pocahontas Lilac thrives in zones 3-7, making it quite cold hardy for most northern gardens. This early-blooming hybrid can handle harsh winters better than many French lilac varieties. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable cold-hardy stock.

How is Pocahontas Lilac shipped—bare root, potted, or during what seasons?

Pocahontas Lilac ships as a potted plant during the spring and fall planting seasons when conditions are optimal for establishment. This allows the root system to remain intact for better transplant success. Order in early spring for immediate planting after your last frost date.

What are the care requirements for Pocahontas Lilac, like pruning or fertilizing?

Pocahontas Lilac thrives with minimal care once established. Prune immediately after blooming ends in late spring to avoid removing next year's flower buds. Fertilize lightly in early spring with compost or balanced fertilizer, and ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.

Is Pocahontas Lilac fragrant, and does it attract pollinators like butterflies?

Yes, Pocahontas Lilac produces highly fragrant deep violet blooms that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This early-blooming variety fills the air with the classic enchanting lilac scent when flowers open in spring. Plant where you can enjoy both the heavenly fragrance and watch pollinators visit.

Pocahontas Lilac

Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Pocahontas'