One of the first common names for Syringa vulgaris in English was 'pipe tree', because the straight stems made excellent pipes. The stem was used by ancient Greek doctors to inject medications into their patients. Pan and eventually turned into a hollow reed from which he made his first flute or pan-pipe. It should be readily available at nurseries, and should be growing on its own roots, not rootstocks. Its reddish purple flowers have a double structure, and are very abundant in compact clusters.
Individual flowers are large and asymmetric.
The inner petal lobes curve inward to show the lighter back side, giving the flower a 2-colour appearance. Lilacs should be grown in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is neutral to alkaline. They will thrive in the full sun or partial shade but will grow best in the full sun. If planted in a new garden be careful not to plant any trees in the vicinity of your lilacs. Over the years these will grow and eventually shade the lilacs, which then will produce fewer and fewer flowers.