Lilac Shrubs
From PlantWiki
| Lilac Shrubs |
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| Species |
| Syringa |
Contents |
History
When a homeowner plants a lilac shrub, he/she is choosing a shrub that is part of this country's history. In 1767 Thomas Jefferson recorded his method of planting lilac shrubs in his garden book, and on March 3, 1785, George Washington noted that he had transplanted existing lilac shrubs in his garden. The oldest living lilac shrubs in North America may be those at the Governor Wentworth estate in Portsmouth, N.H., believed to have been planted around 1750.
Although lilac shrubs are part of New England's heritage, they, like most of our citizens, are not native here. Of the 24 species of lilac shrubs, two derive from Europe and the others from Asia. The lilac shrub (Syringa vulgaris) originated in eastern Europe. This species and hybrids of it were so frequently grown and selected by French nurserymen that France became synonymous with fine lilac shrubs; we know them as "French hybrids." The term now commonly includes lilac shrubs of that type even though they may not have been bred in France.
Most lilac shrub species hail from Asia, including two of the most popular choices for the contemporary landscape, Syringa patula 'Miss Kim' and S. meyeri 'Palibin'. The compact, later flowering 'Miss Kim' is noted for its intense fragrance; the neat growth habit of 'Palibin' fits well in the modern garden. Lilac shrubs have drawn the attention of Russian, American, and Canadian hybridizers who are now introducing new selections for our gardens.
Characteristics
Lilac Shrubs bear thick clusters of sweetly scented blossoms at the end of their branches every spring. The leaves of lilac shrubs are distinctively heart shaped and a dark green. At maturity, these shrubs will stand 15’ tall and 12’ wide. Lilac shrubs thrive in reasonably fertile, slightly acidic, well-draining soil in full sun.
There are other varieties of lilac shrubs from different continents and improved forms of the lilac shrub. The other varieties differ in color, ranging from white to pink to a dark purple. Some even have double flowers.
Uses
Lilac shrubs can be used for Beds and Borders, Cut flower arrangements, Hedges, Naturalizing an area, Roadside beautification and Privacy Screening. Lilac bushes with their showy, fragrant blossoms also attract humming birds and butterflies to the home owners’ landscape. One of the best lilac shrubs around is the Miss Kim Lilac.