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Lilacs have long played an important role in the landscape, providing colour in mid-spring and bringing us unparalleled perfume
Photo by E. Minter
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When we think of perfume in our gardens, lilacs are still the romantic favourite. Lilacs have long played an important role in the landscape, providing colour in mid-spring, bringing us unparalleled perfume, and as a pollinator plant producing nectar and pollen for a wide range of beneficial insects. As the importance of growing cut flowers in the home garden increases, they have become more relevant, especially the varieties that bloom a second time in late summer.
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There are dozens of lilac species and thousands of cultivars that range from one-metre ornamentals to 10-metre trees. Many of the older varieties are no longer being grown commercially in most nurseries today, but of these, the most well-known are in the syringa vulgaris, or common lilac family and they form the basis of our newer varieties. After hybridization certain strains have been improved and are now sold as French hybrids.
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Most of these beautiful hybrids have large, double-flowered trusses that are highly perfumed. The rich, deep red-purple, double-flowered Charles Joly is among the most sought after, as is the double white, Miss Ellen Willmott. Although single flowering, the darkest purple, Ludwig Spaeth, is a favourite, and the rich wine-red and white bicolour of Sensation is stunning. There are myriad beautiful varieties in a wide range of colours, now even including a soft yellow called Primrose.
These lilacs are some of our most winter hardy plants, often tolerating temperatures to Zone 2. Once established, they are very drought tolerant and probably one of the least fussy plants you can choose for today’s gardens. Lilacs need full sun and a bit of space to guarantee good air circulation around them. They need well-drained soil and a good deep watering when it’s required, but they do not like wet feet.
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Photo by E. Minter
They prefer a drier climate, but still perform well in coastal areas. In wet, rainy springs they can get a bit of mildew and lilac blight but will grow out of it once drier summer weather prevails.
Deadheading will encourage new growth and abundant blooming. Yearly pruning, but only immediately after the first flush of flowers in the spring, not in the fall, will keep your plants compact. A quick tidy up to remove misshapen and unproductive branches and any sucker growth should do the trick.
If you’re looking for something that is in a class by itself, consider syringa reticulata Ivory Silk, also known as the Japanese tree lilac.
When it comes to lilacs, Ivory Silk is a standout with its impressive height and width. It requires space to grow and is best suited as a lawn specimen that can be pruned to maintain a single stem. In late June, this stunning tree produces large foot-long panicles of creamy white flowers that will fill your garden with fragrance. Throughout the summer, the tree is adorned with beautiful dark green leaves, while the dark red-brown bark adds texture and dimension to the winter landscape. Ivory Silk is low-maintenance and suitable for Zones 3-7, able to withstand freezing temperatures.
In smaller gardens, compact lilac varieties have become popular, such as the Korean varieties like Miss Kim. These plants feature highly perfumed lavender blossoms on compact bushes that can be pruned to fit restricted spaces. Some Korean lilacs have been grafted onto stems to create attractive standard tree forms, perfect for containers or as focal points in the garden. They are generally clean plants with minimal insect or disease issues.
Proven Winners have introduced compact, single-flowered lilac varieties in their Bloomerang series, which have become popular choices for modern gardens. These lilacs produce perfect flowers in shades of lavender, purple, or pink in spring and continue blooming throughout the summer and fall. They are disease-resistant and vigorous, outperforming traditional lilacs.
Another new addition to the lilac world is the Flowerfesta series, which offers compact varieties with highly perfumed single flowers and a late-season reblooming habit. These lilacs are heat and drought tolerant, making them suitable for a wide range of garden locations. They are also cold hardy, with Zone 3 tolerance, making them viable options for gardens across the country.
Compact lilac varieties like these are versatile, suitable for containers, hedges, and as cut flowers. They attract pollinators and hummingbirds and are easy to care for. Consider adding these compact lilacs to your landscape this spring to enjoy their beauty and fragrance.
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