Lilacs… just the word conjures up memories of Grandma’s garden, right? That unforgettable fragrance, those beautiful blooms – a classic for a reason! And here in Prescott, they thrive like nowhere else with our mountain air and sunshine.
Here’s a little secret: the best time to plant your perfect lilac is right now, before they start leafing out. You get the pick of the litter. We’ve got all the classics, from the deep purples of ‘Charles Joly’ to the unique blooms of ‘Sensation.’ Plus, I’ve hand-picked some varieties perfect for Prescott’s unique climate, like the warm-winter-loving ‘Lavender Lady’ and the late-blooming ‘Miss Kim.’
This spring, let’s find the perfect lilac to fill your garden with fragrance and beauty. Trust me, your nose will thank you! Here are my Top 10 Lilacs for a more fragrant garden and my grandmother’s Lilac Jelly recipe.
For classic beauty:
- Syringa vulgaris ‘President Lincoln’: A vigorous grower with fragrant, single blue flowers. It’s a tried-and-true lilac that’s sure to please. 8′ x 8′ foot size.
- Syringa vulgaris ‘Charles Joly’: This one boasts deep, velvety purple double blooms and a powerful scent. Perfect for a dramatic show. 8′ x 8′ foot size.
Unique Blooms:
- Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’: A real head-turner with purple flowers edged in white. It’s like having two lilacs in one! 8′ x 6′ foot size.
- Syringa vulgaris ‘Primrose’: The only true yellow lilac! Its pale yellow blooms add a unique touch to the garden. 10′ x 8′ foot size.
Garden Knowhow – How to Prune Lilacs
Compact choices:
- Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’: A dwarf Korean lilac, perfect for smaller spaces or containers. It’s covered in fragrant lavender-pink flowers. 5′ x 5′ foot size.
- Syringa ‘Tinkerbelle’: This compact beauty offers wine-red buds that open to fragrant pink flowers. A hummingbird favorite! 4′ x 4′ foot size.
Blooms for Warm Winters:
- Syringa ‘Angel White’: Pure white flowers with a heavenly scent. This variety thrives even in warmer winters, perfect for Prescott! 10′ x 8′ foot size.
- Syringa ‘Lavender Lady’: Another warm-winter variety with fragrant lavender-purple blooms. 12′ x 12′ foot size.
Late Bloomers:
- Syringa ‘Miss Kim’: This late bloomer extends the lilac season with its icy blue flowers and compact size. 4′ x 4′ foot size.
- Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’: A tree lilac with creamy white flowers that bloom later in the season. Adds height and elegance to the garden. 20′ x 10′ foot size.
BONUS – Repeat Bloomers:
- Bloomerang Dark Purple: This is your go-to if you want something more dramatic. Deep purple blooms with that same incredible reblooming power. It’s a real showstopper in the garden and keeps those hummingbirds returning for more! 4′ x 4′ foot size.
- Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla ‘Superba’: This one’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s worth it! ‘Superba’ is a more miniature lilac with pink blooms in spring and a lighter rebloom in late summer. It’s perfect for smaller gardens or even a large container impact size. 5′ x 5′ foot size.
Lilac in the Kitchen – My grandmother’s Lilac Jelly recipe
Remember to plant it in full sun with well-drained soil, no matter which lilac you choose. Your lilac will reward you with years of beauty and fragrance. Happy gardening!
Free Garden Classes offered by Watters Garden Center
We go deep into growing better. Check out this spring’s entire class selection offered every Saturday @ 9:30 am
February 22 Surprising Evergreens with a Colorful Spring Secret
March 1 Buds to Bloom this Springs Roadmap in the Garden
March 8 Welcome to Hummingbirds – Creating a Garden Oasis
Save the Date
March 14 16 Watters 63rd Spring Festival Weekend
Until next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners plant more Lilacs here at Watters Garden Center.
Lisa Watters-Lain can be found at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through her website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants. com.
