With the first mention of the lilac dating back to 1753, it's not surprising that the fragrant flowers are often considered old-fashioned-but that doesn't mean lilacs don't have modern appeal.
"Lilacs decorated the large estates of the founding fathers and have remained an American favorite for generations," says Melissa Finley, Thain curator of woody plants at New York Botanical Garden.
"For contemporary gardeners, lilacs are often associated with fond memories of mothers, grandmothers and aunts who grew these classic shrubs for their showstopping fragrance."
Get Growing
Whether you plant classic species like the common lilac or newer varieties like Pinktini lilac, choose a site with full sun and moist but well-draining soil; lilacs prefer a neutral or slightly alkaline soil pH. "A lilac in the right spot will require very little care in order to thrive," Melissa says.
Warmer winter conditions due to climate change could make it harder for traditional early-blooming lilacs to bloom in some areas, Melissa adds. Heat-tolerant varieties like Lilac Sunday, Betsy Ross and Old Glory are better adapted for warmer climates.
Scent-sational Blooms
Lilacs are "midseason bloomers," blooming in April to early June with pyramid-shaped clusters of petite flowers in shades of red, pink, blue, purple, yellow and white, lasting for around two weeks, according to Ruth Wendt, garden committee chair at the Hulda Klager Lilac Garden.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April/May 2024-Ausgabe von Birds & Blooms.
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Sense or Nonsense? - Why some birds can taste and smell - but others can't
Does a porcelain berry taste like a blueberry to a gray catbird? Does a block of lard smell like frying bacon to a northern flicker? The short answer is no. While some avian species do have a well-adapted sense of taste or smell, they can't distinguish between flavors and odors the way humans can. They're not picking up every ingredient in the suet you put out, says José Ramírez-Garofalo, an ornithology researcher at Rutgers University in New Jersey and the director of Freshkills Biological Station in Staten Island, New York.
Maple Mania - Amazing facts about this fall foliage mainstay
Amazing facts about this fall foliage mainstay
Food-Focused and Fierce - Meet Canada jays and learn why they eat almost anything they can find
Even if you haven't heard of Canada jays, you've heard of their relatives. Members of the corvid family, they belong to the same group as American crows, blackbilled magpies, and jays including blue, Steller's and scrub. "Unlike many of the other jays, a Canada jay doesn't have a crest of any kind; it just has a rounded head," says Dale Gentry, director of conservation for Audubon Upper Mississippi River.In 2018, the Canada jay's name was changed from gray jay, but Dale thinks the former adjective was fitting. "Most of its body is shades of gray with some white," he says. "There are different subspecies that have different physical traits, but most of them have some lighter coloring on their foreheads, upper breasts and throats, each with a darker streak that starts at each eye and goes back."
IN GOOD COMPANY
BIRDS OF A FEATHER MAY FLOCK TOGETHER, but what about other collectives of critters-and what do you call them when they do?
YOUR OWN Perfect Prairie
Learn how to cultivate an oasis of grassland flora in your backyard
ON THE MOVE
Birds approach the challenges of migration in surprising ways. Learn about how they walk, swim or take the scenic route during their travels.
Autumn Wonders
Fall colors offer befitting backdrops for these stunning reader photos
Sparrow Look-Alikes
Distinct sounds help separate these similar species
Embracing the Darkness
From black plants to moody decor, Gothic garden elements can offer a unique outlet to express your dark side
Red-Hot Plants
Scarlet-hued berries add a pop of color to any garden
