Lovely Lilacs

By Lisa Evans

History of Lilacs

Lilacs originated in Europe and Asia. They have been in the United States since the 1750's. There are over 1000 varieties of lilacs, with many different colors. Some of the common colors are "lilac" and purple.  The color “lilac” is a light shade of violet.  Lilacs were very popular in New England and both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had them in their gardens. For people who really love lilacs there is the lilac capital of the world in Rochester, New York.  In 1892, a Horticulturist planted many different lilacs in Highland Park.  To this day people go to the park for an annual two week long Lilac Festival.  The dates for the 2009 Lilac Festival are May 8-17.

 


Lilacs
Scientific Classification

Kingdom:

Plantae

Division:

Magnoliophyta

Class:

Magnoliopsida

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Oleaceae

Genus:

Syringa
Mill.

 

This is a picture of lilacs. Thank you to: http://www.theflowerexpert.com/media/images/aboutflowers/exoticflowers/lilac/lilac-1.jpg

Information about Lilacs

Lilacs are shrubs that bloom between mid-May and early June in hardiness zones 3 and 4.  For zones with higher numbers they grow earlier in the year.  Lilacs have a scent that can be very strong on some plants and not as strong on others.  This scent can also be found in lotions and perfumes. Lilacs like a lot of sun and a soil that is drained well.  Lilacs usually grow to be 10 to 12 feet tall. Purchasing a lilac is easiest at the nearest nursery.  The price could range from $40-$70 for a 3 year old plant. Lilacs need lots of space to grow in. The diameter of a lilac could be 6-8ft. When planting a lilac, the hole should be twice the size of the pot the plant is in. The soil drainage can be tested by filling the hole with water and then seeing how long it takes to drain out. If it takes longer than 15-20 minutes to drain, the lilac will not survive in that spot.

Here are some Lilac names in the format: Name of Plant, Species, Single or Double Flower, Color, Producer or Propogator, Year of Introduction.

'Alexander's Pink' Villosae Group, single, pink, Alexander
'Blue Angel', vulgaris, single, blue, Havemeyer & Eaton, 1954
'Champlain', vulgaris, double, violet, Lemoine, 1930
'Duchesse de Brabant', vulgaris, single, pink, Brahy-Ekenholm, 1860

Three nurseries in the United States that sell Lilacs, Thanks to:  http://www.internationallilacsociety.org/retailers.html

HEARD GARDENS, LTD
8000 Raccoon River Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-987-0800 Fax: 515-987-0801
Website: http://www.heardgardens.com/
Lilacs produced on their own roots and are available through mail order service. Contact either the nursery or the website for the current lilac selections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOX HILL NURSERY
347 Lunt Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
207-729-1511 info@lilacs.com
Website: http://www.lilacs.com/
Lilacs are produced on their own roots and are shipped in two size catagories. Many uncommon selections are available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COLLINS LILAC HILL NURSERY
2366 Turk Hill Rd, Vicor, NY 14564
716-251-1830
Mail orders shipped via UPS in spring and fall on Mon and Tue. Growing over 200 lilac taxa on their own roots. Available in sizes up to 5 gal container.

 

References/Sources

Lilac Festival Information

The Gardener's Network

Wikipedia 'Lilac' Color Information

International Lilac Society