did you know?

The genus name comes from the Greek word for "pipe." Because of the lilac's pithy stems, two early names for it were "pipe tree" and "blow stem." Both allude to the Greek myth in which the nymph Syrinx, pursued by the god Pan, turns herself into marsh reeds, which Pan then joins and uses as his flute, or panpipe. The scent of lilacs is one of Martha's favorite spring fragrances, a sweet reminder of her childhood.

general maintenance:

To shape once established, deadhead after flowering and prune no later than July 4 to avoid damaging next year's flower buds. Regularly thin new growth from base. Cut out dead or damaged wood as it appears. To rejuvenate an overgrown lilac, cut out one-third of nonproductive old stems at the base annually.

pests/diseases:

Bacterial or lilac blight, powdery mildew, lilac borer, or lilac leaf miner may occur.

controls:

To control lilac borer, use pheromone traps. To control leaf miner, removed damaged stems. To control bacterial blight, the most serious lilac disease, increase air circulation by keeping shrubs well pruned (sterilize tools). Though powdery mildew can be an eyesore, it rarely requires action.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants or rooted cuttings. Plant in spring or fall in a sunny site with moist, well-drained soil. Set container-grown lilacs at the same depth they were in pots; adjust balled-and-burlapped plants so top of root ball is level with soil. Space at a distance equal to plants' mature spread. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture. Once established, water infrequently except during droughts. After pruning, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Martha likes to feed lilacs 20 pounds of well-rotted manure mixed with a few cups of lime after pruning; she spreads the mix in a ring a foot away from the plant base.

garden hint:

To prolong cut lilac flowers for arrangements and bouquets, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp knife and place them in a bucket with just enough lukewarm water to cover the cuts.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Deciduous
• Disease Resistant
• Fragrant

garden uses:

• Edging

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

flowering crabapples dogwoods magnolias, and other spring-flowering trees; plant with perennials such as peonies and hostas, and with conifers for an evergreen backdrop.