
Images Depict Mature Plants
Beauty of Moscow Lilac ('Krasavitsa Moskvy')
Beauty of Moscow Lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Krasavitsa Moskvy') is a breathtaking heirloom variety beloved for its lush, double blossoms and captivating color transformation. This exquisite lilac features large panicles of pale pink buds that open into romantic, double white flowers flushed with soft blush tones. As the blooms mature, they take on a creamy white hue with subtle pink highlights, giving the shrub a delicate and ethereal appearance during its spring bloom. Highly fragrant and visually stunning, Beauty of Moscow is an ideal choice for gardeners who want a show-stopping specimen that also fills the air with sweet, classic lilac perfume.
Reaching a mature height of 8 to 12 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet, Beauty of Moscow Lilac forms an upright, multi-stemmed shrub that provides structure and privacy throughout the growing season. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, performing best in USDA Zones 3–7. This low-maintenance lilac is both drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant, making it a smart choice for traditional gardens, cottage borders, flowering hedges, and cut flower gardens. The double blooms make elegant additions to spring arrangements, adding color, fragrance, and timeless charm.
With its exceptional bloom quality, cold hardiness, and captivating beauty, Beauty of Moscow Lilac is a standout among old-fashioned lilac cultivars. It offers not just ornamental value but also serves as a pollinator-friendly shrub, drawing in bees and butterflies during its bloom period. Whether you're designing a romantic garden retreat or adding fragrance and vertical interest to a mixed border, Beauty of Moscow is a stunning and reliable lilac that promises years of springtime splendor.

Hardiness Zone: | 3-7 |
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Mature Height: | 8 to 12 feet |
Mature Width: | 6 to 10 feet |
Classification: | Broad Leaved deciduous shrub, re-blooming |
Sunlight: | Full Sun |
Habit: | Upright, rounded habit |
Foliage: | Dark Green |
Flower Color: | White with light pink highlights |
Pruning Season: | No pruning needed |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
Uses: | olerates moist soil and full sun. Full sun brings out the best flowering. Will adapt to drier sites |
How to Care for Beauty of Moscow Lilac
Before you buy a Beauty of Moscow Lilac Shrub, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.

How do I plant a Beauty of Moscow Lilac?
To plant your Lilac Beauty of Moscow shrub successfully, choose a site that receives full sun, as lilacs require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal bloom production. The soil should be well-drained and slightly alkaline, so consider amending with compost and garden lime if your soil is heavy or acidic. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, loosening the surrounding soil to encourage strong root development. Gently place the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill with native soil mixed with compost. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Once planted, add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your Beauty of Moscow Lilac, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. If planting multiple lilacs for a hedge or border, space them 6 to 10 feet apart to ensure good air circulation and healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen products, as this can reduce flowering. With the right planting site and early care, Beauty of Moscow Lilac shrubs will establish quickly and reward you with years of breathtaking spring blooms and enchanting fragrance.

How do I water Lilac Beauty of Moscow Shrubs?
Watering your Lilac Beauty of Moscow shrubs correctly is essential for establishing strong roots and supporting lush, fragrant blooms. During the first growing season after planting, water deeply once or twice per week, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. Focus on delivering water directly to the base of the plant using a soaker hose or slow drip to encourage deep root growth and reduce the risk of fungal disease. Ensure your shrub is planted in well-drained soil, as lilacs do not tolerate standing water and may develop root rot if overwatered. Once established, Beauty of Moscow Lilac becomes relatively drought-tolerant and typically only needs watering during extended dry spells. Check the soil moisture regularly in hot summer months and water when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and reduce watering frequency while also keeping roots cool. Proper watering supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering, allowing your Beauty of Moscow Lilac shrub to thrive and deliver stunning, fragrant blooms each spring.

How do I fertilize Lilac Beauty of Moscow Shrubs?
Fertilizing your Lilac Beauty of Moscow shrub properly is essential for healthy growth and abundant spring blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or a bloom-boosting formula like 5-10-5 in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the base of the plant, and water it in well to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. If you prefer an organic approach, compost or well-aged manure can be used to enrich the soil and improve its structure, providing a slow, steady source of nutrition throughout the growing season. For established Beauty of Moscow lilacs, fertilizing once annually in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms. If your lilac is underperforming in flower production, a fertilizer higher in phosphorus can help boost blooming. Additionally, lilacs thrive in slightly alkaline, well-drained soil, so consider adding garden lime if your soil is too acidic. When combined with proper sunlight, pruning, and watering, regular fertilization will ensure your Beauty of Moscow lilac shrubs deliver full, fragrant, double blooms year after year.

How and When Should I Prune My Lilac Beauty of Moscow Shrubs?
To keep your Lilac Beauty of Moscow shrub healthy and blooming profusely, it's important to prune at the right time and in the correct way. The ideal time to prune is immediately after the shrub finishes flowering in late spring, as this variety blooms on old wood—meaning flower buds form on the previous year’s growth. Begin by cutting off spent flower heads to encourage the plant to focus energy on new growth instead of seed production. At the same time, thin out a few of the oldest stems at the base to promote airflow and stimulate vigorous new shoots, which will become next year’s flowering wood. Annual maintenance pruning helps maintain the shrub’s size, shape, and flower quality. Avoid pruning in late summer, fall, or early spring, as this can remove developing buds and reduce the following season’s bloom. If your Beauty of Moscow Lilac becomes overgrown, rejuvenation pruning can be done over several years by removing up to a third of the oldest canes annually. Pruning not only enhances the plant’s structure but also supports disease resistance and overall health. With regular post-bloom pruning, your Lilac Beauty of Moscow will reward you with dense foliage, increased blooms, and a consistently elegant appearance in the garden.