Lilacs are one the great Canadian landscape plants! Not only do they grow most anywhere that there is lots of sun, they are generally tolerant of poor soil conditions (though, prefer a sandy loam on the alkaline side), have relatively few insect or disease problems (I have never sprayed mine and I have about 50 of them) and of course there are the flowers….. fragrance galour!
There are several ‘families' of Lilacs, the best known being the French Hybrids. For about two centuries the nursery specialists in France have been introducing new and outstanding varieties that are known above all for their intense, sweet fragrance. French hybrids are distinguishable by the ‘graft' or ‘knuckle' at the root union.
One of my favourite lilacs is the Chinese Lilac, which grows on its' own root and never produces a ‘sucker' – unlike the Common Lilac which suckers with abandon!!
If you are shopping for lilac plants look over the ‘Preston' lilacs – developed right here in Canada (at the Ottawa Experimental Farm) by Isabella Preston. There are over 30 varieties out there. They distiquished by their late season of flowering (late May/early June) which follows the French Hybrids directly.
Mark
For more information go to www.markcullen.com
