The Colorful World of Lilacs

Say the word lilac and a fragrant, lavender flower comes to mind. But, that is not the whole lilac story. Lilacs come in shades of white, yellow and pink and a deep purple as well. Not only that, some bloom later than others, so gardeners in the right areas can have lilacs from early spring through early summer.

Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation') is a deciduous shrub that grows from 8 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide. The flowers are purple to a wine red color with white around the edges and bloom in April and May. Egg shaped leaves grow up to 5 inches long. Plant in full sun and a rich moist, neutral soil. Make sure otther plants are not near. It needs good air circulation. The shrub will reseed itself and if it is allowed to go to seed, there will be less flowers the next year. Remove the flowers as soon as they fade. This version is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.

Japanese tree lilac ( Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk') is also hardy in zones 3 to 7. The tree grows from 20 to 25 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. Creamy white flowers bloom in May and June in clusters up to 12 inches long. Egg-shaped, dark-green leaves grow up to 4 inches long. Plant in full sun or partial shade and a soil that is average and well-drained. Give the tree good air circulation and remove the flowers as soon as they fade. The tree is hardy in zones 3 to 7.

Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris Ludwig Spaeth) grows up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The bush is hardy in zones 4 to 7 and likes full sun or partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil. Red-purple flowers grow in clusters up to 8 inches long and bloom in the spring.

Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris 'Katherine Havemeyer' )
grows up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Pink-lavender flowers grow in clusters 4 to 8 inches long. The plant is hardy in zones 3 to 7, has dark-green leaves from 2 to 5 inches long, and likes full sun and a moist, well-drained soil.

These are only the tip of the ice berg of the varieties of lilacs. Dwarf versions, types with variegated leaves and bi-colored flowers are also available. Check the local garden store and see which ones are available in your area.