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The Lilac - A Wonderful Fragrant Ornamental SpecimenThe Lilac is one of the most fragrant ornamental bushes or shrubs around the world. It is in the family called Syringa. There are about twenty different varieties, but the classification of these different species can be complicated. The reason is there are so many growers cultivating different varieties. This wonderful plant family is native to Asia and Europe and was brought to the United States in the 17th century. The most popular of this family is the Common or Syringa Vulgaris.
The Common variety is known for is eloquent clusters of soft to deep rich purple - lavender tones. The Syringa family also comes in white, and pink. The spring and summer are the prime times to view and smell this spectacular display of color. Several years ago I lived in Rochester, New York. Many of us could not wait until the month of May rolled around. Highland Park and other areas of Rochester became a showcase for the Lilacs. There is a Highland Park Festival once a year and as soon as you enter the park, your senses became engulfed with the beauty and fragrance of these magnificent flowers. Rochester is not the only home to this specie. I also remember as a child, the different varieties lining along fences around neighborhoods in Schenectady, New York. The state of New Hampshire in the northeastern part of the United States, has the Lilac as its state flower. Boston is also surrounded by this beautiful plant specimen in the spring and summer months. These cultivators originally came from France, and the term, French Hybrid is used today to describe most of the common family. You can travel throughout Europe, Asia and in zones three through seven in the United States to view this brilliant shrub family. One of the wonderful aspects of this plant is its durability to withstand cold temperatures. This is one reason it does well in colder climate zones. Lilacs grow best in full sun, alkaline and well drained soil. They can mature up to twenty feet in height. If you are planning on enjoying this specie, you will need room for this specimen to sprawl out for your enjoyment. Pruning is not necessary, and keeping this shrub in its natural form, provides you with the constant richness of color year after year. You can go ahead and remove the dead flower heads after they are finished blooming. They are drought tolerant and can withstand windy conditions. One of the most popular garden settings for this plant, is a cottage garden. You can also plant the
Lilac in many other variety of gardens.
The plant is a great backdrop, and the larger tree varieties can be used for shade during the late spring and summer months. The different color tones gives this plant a focal point around other evergreen trees and shrubs.
Arborvitaes
make a wonderful accent plant with any of the Syringa varieties. Other specimens such as the
Juniper family
will compliment this specie.
The Lilac is to me one of the most vibrant and fragrant flowers that has been around for centuries. Living in the southern United States, we has so many colorful and fragrant plant specimens, but I do miss the spring and summer beauty of this wonderful plant specimen. If any of you would like to share with us your Lilac festival or photos, we would love to see them. Just go to the
show and tell section
and show or tell others about these beautiful flowers in your area. Maybe you have visited a place and witnessed these shrubs in full bloom. Feel free to share that adventure with us. Many people in the tropics may have never seen the beauty of the different shades of flowers. This is a great opportunity to show them a colder climate sensational flower.
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