What would a garden be without lilacs? A perennial favorite, these fragrant flowers signal the arrival of spring. Handed down from generation to generation, lilacs are a garden must-have and though considered a cold-climate plant, can now be easily grown in any season with heat-tolerant varieties being available. They belong to the genus Syringa and are usually purple or white-tinged.

The 'Descanso' variety can tolerate warmer temperatures. 'California Rose' also grows well in warm areas like the Northwest. The flowers of this variety are rose or pink and have an unmistakable fragrance. Some flowers are purple or mauve with a white rim. These make for a great focal point in your yard. To have lilacs blooming in your garden the year round, plant a mix of early-flowering varieties with mid- and late-flowering ones.

Dedicate at least 8 by 10 feet area in the garden for each shrub, as lilacs need a lot of space to grow. They also need plenty to sun. Make sure the soil is alkaline-rich and supply some lime every 6 months.

Before you plant your lilacs in the ground, make the hole a little wider and bigger than the pot. You can add compost to the hole if need be. Separate the roots before planting to allow them to spread well in the soil and fill up the hole with compost. Remember to water thoroughly. Lilacs are usually drought-resistant and they commune well with nature. Regular pruning is also important. You may need to prune a little more than your old blossoms. This rejuvenates the plant and encourages healthy, vibrant growth. If your thirst for lilac increases with each passing season, propagate. Lilacs will bloom for a long time year after year with little care.

There are three main categories of lilac - the dwarf lilac (5 feet), the standard lilac (10-12 feet), and the tree lilac (15-25 feet) - though there are hundreds of varieties to choose from. If color is your preference, the favorite of the purple enthusiasts is the 'Pocahontas', while the white-loving junta's favorite is the fragrant 'Mount Baker'. If fragrance is the first criterion, then 'Charles Joly' is the best choice. Most of these are cold-climate varieties, so planting is made easier.

If you like Gardening....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory

Also see:

A Love Affair With Gardening, Charming Camillias, Firescaping, Gardening for the Family, Garden Rodents, Garden Catalogs, General Gardening Tips. Gardens in the Shade, Hot Summer Cool Garden, How to Plant Leeks, Involve Your Children, Outfits for Gardening, Photograph Your Garden, Plant Care Basics, Using Leaves as Compost, What to Avoid Buying Guide, Cheap Garden Ideas, Creating Garden Berms, Garden Fragrances, Garden Lessons, Gardening for The Challenged, Gardening is Great, Gardening Math, Gardening Tools, How to Use Peat, More About Gardening, Love affair with Lilacs, Organic Gardening, Slow Down and Enjoy, Smart Plant Shopping, Tips for Beginners