Growing Lilacs
Syringa vulgaris: common lilac
Lilac bushes are an upright shrub that range between 4 and 15 feet high (1.2 to 5 meters) with large clusters of single or double-headed blooms or star florets. Lilacs are known for the wonderful scent their blooms produce, but some of the fancier hybrids have lost their scent, so choose carefully before you purchase your plant.
- They bloom from late spring to late summer, depending on the variety.
- There are hundreds of varieties to choose from.
- The blooms range in color from dark purple, pinks, whites, yellows, and even bluish tints.
- Some varieties even have multi-colored blooms like purple blooms rimmed with white.
- The most common varieties have heart-shaped, dark green leaves, but there are many different shapes to choose from, such as oval or fern-like leaves and even yellow leaves.
- Most lilacs produce suckers each spring that you can use to propagate more shrubs.
There are a few varieties that don't produce any suckers, such as "Miss Helen Wilmott," so again, inquire before you buy. Most garden centers carry the most common, hardy varieties.
Growing Tips:
- Lilacs need lots of sun to grow well. If it's too shady, they won't receive enough sunlight to make them flower properly.
- Lack of good light will also allow white mildew to develop on their leaves.
- Applying mulch around the base of lilacs will help to keep weeds down.
- Pruning will help keep your shrubs healthy and allow air to circulate through the branches.
- Older lilacs can be greatly improved with a good pruning that will enhance their size and shape.
Fascinating Facts!
- Lilacs are a type of flowering plant that belong to the olive family, and are native to southeastern Europe and parts of Asia.
- There are over 1,000 different varieties of lilacs, which come in many different colors, including purple, pink, white, and even yellow.
- The lilac is the state flower of New Hampshire, and it is also the official flower of the city of Calgary in Canada.
- Lilacs are often used in perfumes and other fragrances because of their sweet, floral scent.
- Some lilac bushes can live for over 100 years, and can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall!
- During World War II, the French Resistance used the code word "lilacs" to signal the start of a major operation.
- The largest lilac bush in the world is located in Rochester, New York, and it measures over 12 meters (40 feet) in diameter!
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