Lilacs
A beloved shrub that brings memories of our grandparent’s gardens, the fragrant Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is still a very popular plant and a highlight of May gardens. A shrub can take up a big chunk of real estate and many end up being trained as small trees. However, varieties like ‘Miss Kim’ and ‘Palibin’ offer a manageable size for the smaller garden.
Growing Tips –
Give them a spot in full sun for best bloom. They like the soil pH on the alkaline side so add some lime to the planting hole along with an ample supply of compost. Every year, sprinkle some bone meal or some wood ashes around the base of the plants. Water regularly during spring but hold back on the water during the late summer months. To prune, cut back older branches completely and lightly tip prune the newer branches. An overgrown lilac in need of rejuvenation can be severely pruned back to three or four feet. Blooms may not appear when you do this but should return the following year.
Varieties at Yard n Garden Land –
The following varieties were in stock as of March 27th. Prices range from $24.99 – 34.99. Standards (tree forms) are also available for some varieties for 69.99.
Charles Joly – Upright to 8-10 ft. x 6′ wide, bright green leaves and reddish-purple flowers. Named after Victor Charles Joly, a physician and writer on horticultural subjects. (Photo courtesy Monrovia)
President Grevy – Large conical flowers of light blue. 8-10′ x 8-10′. Named for Francois Paul Jules Grevy, French president from 1879-1887. (Photo courtesy Briggs Nursery)
Yankee Doodle – Deep purple blooms on 8’x8′ shrub. (Photo courtesy Monrovia)
Miss Kim – Upright, compact, 5-8 ft. with lavender-blue flowers and maroon tinted foliage in the fall. (Photo courtesy Briggs Nursery)
Pocahontas – Maroon-purple flowers on 10’x10′ shrub. Early blooming. (Photo courtesy Monrovia)
Sensation – Purple edged in white on 8-10′ x 6-8′ shrub. (Photo by Phillip Oliver)
Agincourt Beauty – Rich purple blooms on 8-10′ x 8′ shrub. (Photo courtesy Briggs Nursery)
Albert Holden – Violet/ deep purple with bi-color appearance. 8-10′ x 8-10′. Named for wealthy mining tycoon Albert Holden, founder of the Holden Arboretum in Cleveland OH. (Photo courtesy Briggs Nursery)
Palibin – Compact, slow-growing to 4-5′. Light purple/dark purple mix. (Photo by Phillip Oliver)
Belle de Nancy – Mauve/lilac pink with white centers. 12′ x 10′. (Photo courtesy Briggs Nursery)
