We started growing lilacs by chance but continue to grow them out of passion. In the horticulture industry they are known by their genus name, Syringa. Our lilacs are grown on their own roots and are therefore are stronger and adaptable.

We have over 50 varieties of lilacs including the yellow: Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose' and the bicolor Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation.' Lilacs come in 7 different color classifications: White, Lilac, Pink, Violet, Magenta, Purple, and Blue. The lilac blooming time extends about 6 weeks - from early May to early June in southeastern New England. We divide them into early, midseason, and late bloomers. Lilacs can have single, double, and multi-petaled flowers.

Dwarf and compact lilac varieties can easily be utilized in the landscape without overtaking the surrounding plants. Among the smallest of these is S. meyeri x S. julianae 'Red Pixie.' It has mouse-ear like leaves and single deep pink flowers. S. julianae 'George Eastman' is another deep pink small leaved variety and is introduced from China. S. 'Josee' is a dwarf variety (pink) that is the most reliable fall rebloomer. S. prestonae 'Minuet' is a late blooming dwarf purple.

Miss Canada is a wonderful pink late blooming compact variety; 6-8' high. A beautiful example of Miss Canada can be found at the entrance of the Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Some more traditional lilacs to grow more compact are S. v.'Wonderblue' (Midseason Blue), S. v.'Lucy Baltet' (Midseason Pink), S.v. 'Prarie Petite' (midseason purple) and S. oblata 'Cheyanne' (Early Blue). An unusual somewhat compact introduction from China is S. julianae 'Hers,' a weeping form of lilac with pink flowers.

Our early blooming lilacs are mostly from the S. hyanthiflora sps. The leaves from the hyacinthiflora sps. are the same as we remember from our grandmother's garden and the flowers are the best crosses from S. vulgaris sps. and S. oblata sps. Our favorites from the hyacinthiflora sps. are 'Maiden's Blush', a single pink, 'Assessipppi' an abundant and reliable blooming single lilac color, 'Pocahontas', a dark purple, and 'Cheyanne', a compact blue with fall color.

The vulgaris sps. constitute many of the midseason bloomers and the heart of any lilac collection. Our double white 'Edith Cavell' is named for a nurse who gave her life helping British soldiers in WW1. Another great white is 'Frederick Law Olmstead' it is names for a world famous landscape designer who designed the Emerald Necklace in Boston and Central Park in New York City. It is special because it has a controlable rounded shape and abundant blooms, a great speciman plant.

'Flower City' (violet) and 'Albert Holden' (purple) are darker flowers with silver undersides that create an interesting contrast in the flower. 'A. Ludwig Spaeth', 'Monge', 'Charles Joly' and 'Sarah Sands' all rivel for the deepest purple color. 'Sensation' (purple/white) is the only true bicolored flower. One of my favorites is 'Dwight D. Eisenhower', a light blue. Another spectacular midseason lilac is 'Athlene Wilbur', a double magenta.

Finally this leads to the late blooming lilacs, typically the end of May in southeastern New England. One plant that deserves outstanding recognition in every area; abundant blooms, wonderful fragrance, lilac color, compact size (5-8'), managable shape and fall color is a Korean introduction S. patula 'Miss Kim'. When the midseason lilacs fade 'Miss Kim" takes center stage. Two late bloomers are previously mentioned the compact tribred 'Miss Canada' (pink) and the dwarf purple 'Minuet.' The full sized S. prestonae 'Donald Wyman' is purple and tolerates slightly wetter conditions than normal lilacs. The latest blooming lilac is S. reticulata sps., a Japanese Tree Lilac. It has ivory blooms in a small tree form.

Lilacs generally grow in zone 3-7 however testing and breeding is being done to grow lilacs in warmer climates. We offer a few plants that can be grown successfully in zone 8. S. oblata 'Betsy Ross' is an early white, S. x h. 'Assessippi', an early fragrant lilac. S. dilatata 'Cheyanne', a low growing early blue. 'Red Pixie', a dwarf dark pink, and 'Miss Canada', a late blooming compact pink also are reported to do well in zone 8.

Lilacs like GOOD DRAINAGE, and a neutral to alkalyne soil ( pH 6.5 -7.5). To improve drainage in marginal areas, they will respond well if planted on a 'berm.' A berm can be constructed of 6" sand, 6" compost, and 6" of top soil, repeat again with 6" of each. They also like full sun. At least 6 hours a day in the north. In warmer climates they tolerate some afternoon shade.