Lilacs seem to have a special place in the heart.

The pink-flowered ‘Esther Staley’ lilac, growing left a lasting impression.

In an attempt to hybridize a new variety, pollination was tried, much like others dream of crafting a great literary work. Though that early effort didn’t take root, lilacs remain a lifelong hobby. Their fragrance heralds the arrival of spring, and they define both a color and a scent. Lilacs are also remarkably easy to grow. Once limited to shades of purple and white, they now come in a stunning variety of colors, forms, bloom sizes, and flowering times.

1. Fragrance: The Heart of Lilacs

When it comes to lilacs, fragrance is the top priority. While some lilacs have a faint scent, others range from delicately sweet to intensely fragrant. White lilacs, for instance, tend to have a more subtle fragrance, whereas certain varieties are highly aromatic. Although the sense of smell can quickly adjust to a familiar scent, making it hard to differentiate between different flowers, the smell of lilacs always brings a smile.

2. French Hybrids: The Best-Known Lilacs

All lilacs belong to the Syringa genus, which includes around 20 species and hundreds of cultivars. Most species are native to Asia, with none native to North America. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), with it's heart-shaped leaves and large blooms, is typically the most recognized. It blooms around the third week of May in Boston and is native to Eastern Europe.

It was introduced to Western Europe before 1600 and likely made its way to North America from there. By the 1800s, many named cultivars were being bred, and by the early 1900s, France was producing many of these exceptional varieties. As a result, the term French Hybrid has become synonymous with most common lilac cultivars, even though many were bred in other European countries or North America.

3. Tree Lilacs: A Unique Addition

Some lilacs are more than just large shrubs—they can grow into full-sized trees, reaching the size and shape of an apple tree. These tree lilacs make excellent shade trees, and their striking bark offers a second season of visual interest. Tree lilacs bloom about a week to 10 days after the late-blooming varieties, which themselves flower a month after the early lilacs.

4. Late-Blooming Lilacs: Unique Look and Scent

Late-blooming lilacs appear about a week to 10 days after the common lilacs. Many of these varieties are the result of hybridization, where two or more species are crossed to create new cultivars. These late-bloomers don’t always resemble the typical lilac in terms of appearance or fragrance, which can make them more appealing to those looking for something different.

5. A Rainbow of Lilac Colors

Lilac flowers come in an array of colors, from creamy whites to various shades of purple. One particularly unique cultivar is S. vulgaris ‘Primrose’, which produces a soft, creamy yellow—quite different from the typical yellow of dandelions. Another standout is S. vulgaris ‘Sensation’, whose purple flowers feature white pinstripes on each petal.

6. Double-Flowered Lilacs: More Petals, More Beauty

While lilac flowers typically have four petals, hybridizers have created many double-flowered varieties, often with 12 or more petals per bloom. These are sometimes arranged in a hose-in-hose structure, where a four-petaled flower is nested within another four-petaled flower. In other cases, the additional petals are radially arranged, creating a daisy-like appearance.

7. What to Look for in a Lilac

When selecting a lilac, the quality of the flowers is paramount. Look for blooms that are not only attractive but also abundant and fragrant, available in a color you love. Disease resistance is another key factor.

8. Lilacs: Easy to Grow

Lilacs are as simple to grow as vegetables, with similar basic needs. These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile garden soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. While they can tolerate less-than-ideal conditions, the quantity and quality of their blooms are closely tied to meeting these requirements.

9. Common Lilac Issues

Powdery mildew, a fungus that affects lilacs, often appears on leaves in humid regions, typically in late summer or early autumn. While it’s generally more of an aesthetic concern than a serious threat, it can be managed with fungicides. However, choosing varieties less prone to mildew is a good strategy. The lilacs recommended here have shown only light to moderate symptoms of fungal diseases, though the severity can vary depending on climate and site conditions.