Syringa ( Lilac)
For many of us, lilacs evoke the past, with pleasant
memories of childhood, grandparents or a first love. Although common to European and North American
gardens in times past, this versatile, hardy shrub (-40C) is still a ‘must have’ for
the modern gardener.
The
lilac, a member of the olive family, can survive in almost any soil, providing
it is well drained. Lilacs require a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight per day
which means you have a good choice of planting locations with an equally good
choice of survival. They come in a variety
of truly magnificent shades and are almost maintenance free. Many lilacs are fast growing and thus are a
good choice for those seeking privacy in their yards. A little judicious pruning
will control size and shape, after the blooms fade in spring. Several of the newer hybrids of lilacs have
little to no suckering.
If you need a feature plant or low growing
hedge the Syringa meyerii ‘Paliban’ is
a popular choice. If you are looking for a unique tree, the beautiful and
fragrant Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory
Silk’ might be the perfect specimen for your garden. To spice up your spring salads, try adding
lilac flowers. They are edible. Whatever your needs, with over 4000
cultivars of lilacs, there is truly something for everyone.
For those who are passionate about lilacs, if you plan well (early, mid and late season bloom), you could enjoy the intoxicating scent of lilacs for nearly 8 weeks. As if this weren’t enough, butterflies are attracted to the nectar of lilacs. How wonderful is that?
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