Lilacs may bring memories to some of their grandmothers who had a lilac shrub, and that nostalgia factor may be one of the reasons you may plant one in your garden. Whatever the reason may be, lilacs are some of the hardiest and most fragrant flowering shrubs that we can use in our gardens.
They come in shades of purple, pink, and white and in varying heights up to 10 feet tall. Most only bloom for a few weeks each year, but some new varieties are re-blooming, such as ‘Bloomerang’. Lilacs prefer full sun; you will get the most blooms and a better fragrance from your blooms in full sun. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds and make good cut flowers.
Lilacs symbolize spring and renewal, but they have other meanings in different cultures. The Celtics saw lilacs as magical because of their sweet scent. They typically bloom right around Mother’s Day in our area.
Have you ever driven down a country road and seen a random lilac bush or two? These are most likely from a house or farm that is no longer there from the last century. Lilacs are known for their long lives and hardy nature, and many live to be more than 100 years old. Because of this, many often survive longer than the home of the gardener that planted them.
If you don’t have one in your garden, give one a try. They give you a show for your eyes with the colorful blooms and your nose with the sweet scents.
