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Lilacs

Syringa

The Perfume of the Past: Syringa (Lilac)


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Lilac

  • Scientific Name: Syringa spp.

  • Hardiness: Zones 3 – 7 (They love NJ’s cold winters to "set" their flower buds).

  • The "Vibe": Nostalgic, romantic, and intoxicating; the "scent-track" of Mother's Day.

Why It’s a Jersey Landscape Legend

  • The Scent: There is no smell in the world like a Lilac. It is thick, sweet, and carries for blocks on a breezy NJ afternoon.

  • Cold Hardy: Lilacs actually need the cold. They are perfectly adapted to the freezing winters of Sussex and Warren counties; without a cold snap, they won't bloom as well.

  • Modern Rebloomers: We are no longer limited to two weeks of flowers in May. Varieties like the 'Bloomerang' series will flower heavily in spring, take a break, and then bloom again from mid-summer until the first frost.

  • Mildew Resistance: Traditional Lilacs often get "white dust" (powdery mildew) on their leaves in July. New "Korean" and "Meyer" hybrids are bred specifically to resist this, staying clean and green all summer.

Stories from the Garden

"I grew up with a huge purple Lilac in our backyard in Haddonfield, and I wanted that same smell for my new house. I planted a 'Miss Kim' Lilac because my yard is smaller. It doesn't get that white powder on the leaves like my mom's did, and the smell is even more intense! It blooms right around my birthday in May, and it’s the highlight of my year. It’s tough, it doesn’t need much water, and the butterflies love it."

— Bethany T., Zone 7 Gardener (Haddonfield, NJ)


Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The "Breeze Way": Plant Lilacs on the side of the house where the prevailing wind blows toward your windows or patio. It acts as a natural, outdoor air freshener.

  • The "Privacy Perfume": Use the taller French varieties to create a "living wall" between properties. You get privacy and a world-class fragrance.

  • The Butterfly Highway: Lilacs are a primary nectar source for Tiger Swallowtails and Clearwing Hummingbird Moths. Plant them where you can see the action.

Designer Pro-Tip: The "Airflow" Secret. To prevent powdery mildew in NJ’s humid summers, never plant a Lilac in a crowded corner. Give it "elbow room" so the wind can move through the branches and keep the leaves dry. Also, avoid overhead watering!

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