BuckeyeGardening.com's "Plant of the Month"

Early Blooming Lilacs

Photos Courtesy of Bill Hendricks, Klyn Nurseries, Perry, OH

Each year, during early and mid May, we are greeted with the sweet scent and bright color display of the early blooming lilacs. The majority of these plants are derived from Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac.

The majority of these plants flower in shades of blue, if grown from seed. Today, we have many different colors to select from due to breeding and selection programs. Flowers can be single or double and are available in a range of colors from pink to dark purple, from burgundy to white, and in a variety of bicolors.

Most of the early blooming lilacs are large, vase-shaped upright plants that, in time, can reach a height of over 10 feet with equal spread. They are hardy into climates much colder than we find in Ohio. They can be used as a border shrub or in groupings, as a provider of screen or as specimens in the garden. To ensure consistent flowering each spring, remove seed heads after flowering (this is called deadheading). The plants grow best in full sun with well-drained soils that are more alkaline than acidic in pH.

Syringa hyacinthiflora is a group of hybrid early blooming lilacs that are gaining popularity. They provide a wide range of flower colors, fragrance and hardiness. In addition, they are resistant to mildews and many have good fall foliage color in shades of reddish-purple.

The early blooming lilac has been gaining popularity in many landscapes over the past few years. Some of this popularity may be due to nostalgia and some may be due to the fact that people need good screens in their backyards. The spectacular masses of flowers in a wide range of colors can be enjoyed in the garden or as cut flowers that will fill your home with wonderful fragrance. This hardy group of lilacs combined with a small amount of maintenance can provide repeated blooms for generations to come.