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GARDENER'S
READING ROOM
Trees and Shrubs
Lilacs
 Lilacs
(Syringa species) belong
to the Oleaceae (olive)
family from Eurasia. They range from low shrubs to small trees.
They like full sun, average to well-drained soil, and close
to neutral pH. Lilacs seem to thrive on neglect, but summer
watering and a flower or all purpose fertilizer will help
them provide armloads of fragrant flowers for generations.
Syringa
vulgaris
(French lilac) is the shining star of the lilac family. It
is grown for its incomparable fragrance and fine color range.
One interesting phenomenon that we have observed here and
at other nurseries is that not all varieties bloom true to
color their first year. This year's selection will include
Angel White, Ellen
Willmott (dbl. white), President
Grevy (dbl. gray-blue), Katherine
Havermeyer, Krasavitsa
Muskovy (dbl. pink), Ludwig
Spaeth (purple), Adelaide
Dunbar (dbl. purple), Primrose
(light yellow), Sensation
(maroon with white edge). Each has its own distinctive fragrance.
In my mind, one is not necessarily better than the other,
a lot like roses.
Another
group of lilacs is known as x hyacinthaflora. These hybrids
are characterized by their large loose panicles in a growing
range of colors and shrub sizes.
Lilacs
have few pests. The most serious is probably the leaf miner.
The larvae of this insect riddle the leaves with tunnels,
eventually killing the leaves. Good sanitation will keep the
population down. Pick and destroy the affected foliage--do
not compost it. You can use a systemic like Orthene, but who
want lilacs that smell like Orthene? Cultural control usually
is adequate.
The
other problem here in the Northwest is lilac blight or Pseudomonas
syringae. Blackened or scorched leaves usually occur in June
and July. Prune out affected twigs; clean shears with a 70%
alcohol solution between cuts. Prune only when dry. Use a
copper based spray in the spring—spray two to three times
seven to ten days apart when the foliage emerges.
Should
a lilac need pruning to shape, do it just after the flowering
period, usually in May or June.
Given
ample sun and a little care, lilacs will reward even the most
novice of gardeners with a bouquet of flowers that will leave
you wanting to put in even more lilacs, maybe even replacing
some of your fussy roses!
By
Chuck Pavlich, W.C.N.
Skylights Spring, Vol 14, No. 1
Other
articles on trees and shrubs
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