Your Nose will Thank You

By Lisa Watters-Lain, Arizona’s Garden Gal

Lilacs… just the word conjures up memories of Grandma’s garden, right? That unforgettable fragrance, those beautiful blooms … lilacs are a classic for a reason. And here in Prescott, they thrive like nowhere else with our mountain air and sunshine.

Here’s a little secret: the best time to plant your perfect lilac is right now, before they start leafing out. You get the pick of the litter. We’ve got all the classics, from the deep purples of “Charles Joly” to the unique blooms of “Sensation.” Plus, I’ve hand-picked some varieties perfect for Prescott’s unique climate, like the warm-winter-loving “Lavender Lady” and the late-blooming “Miss Kim.”

This spring, find the perfect lilac to fill the garden with fragrance and beauty. Here are my Top 10 Lilacs for a more fragrant garden and my grandmother’s Lilac Jelly recipe.

For classic beauty:

  1. Syringa vulgaris, or “President Lincoln”: A vigorous grower with fragrant, single blue flowers. It’s a tried-and-true lilac that’s sure to please. Size: eight-by-eight feet.
  2. Syringa vulgaris, or “Charles Joly”: This one boasts deep, velvety purple double blooms and a powerful scent. Perfect for a dramatic show. Size: eight-by-eight feet.

Unique Blooms:

  1. Syringa vulgaris, or “Sensation”: A real head-turner with purple flowers edged in white. It’s like having two lilacs in one! Size: eight-by-six feet.
  2. Syringa vulgaris, or “Primrose”: The only true yellow lilac! Its pale yellow blooms add a unique touch to the garden. Size: ten-by-eight feet.

Compact choices:

  1. Syringa meyeri, or “Palibin”: A dwarf Korean lilac, perfect for smaller spaces or containers. It’s covered in fragrant lavender-pink flowers. Size: five-by-five feet.
  2. Syringa, or “Tinkerbelle”: This compact beauty offers wine-red buds that open to fragrant pink flowers. A hummingbird favorite! Size: four-by-four feet.

Blooms for Warm Winters:

  1. Syringa, or “Angel White”: Pure white flowers with a heavenly scent. This variety thrives even in warmer winters, perfect for Prescott. Size: ten-by-eight feet.
  2. Syringa, or “Lavender Lady”: Another warm-winter variety with fragrant lavender-purple blooms. Size: twelve-by-twelve feet.

Late Bloomers:

  1. Syringa, or “Miss Kim”: This late bloomer extends the lilac season with its icy blue flowers and compact size, which is four-by-four feet.
  1. Syringa reticulata “Ivory Silk”: A tree lilac with creamy white flowers that bloom later in the season. Adds height and elegance to the garden. Size: 20 feet tall by ten feet wide.

BONUS – Repeat Bloomers:

  1. Bloomerang Dark Purple: This is your go-to if you want something more dramatic. Deep purple blooms with that same incredible reblooming power. It’s a real showstopper in the garden and keeps those hummingbirds returning for more. Size: four by four feet.
  1. Syringa pubescens subsp. Microphylla, or “Superba”: This one’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s worth it. “Superba” is a more miniature lilac with pink blooms in spring and a lighter rebloom in late summer. It’s perfect for smaller gardens or even a large container impact size. Size: five-by-five feet.


Lilac in the Kitchen
: My grandmother’s Lilac Jelly recipe

Garden Knowhow: How to Prune Lilacs

Remember to plant your lilac in full sun with well-drained soil, no matter which one you choose. Your lilac will reward you with years of beauty and fragrance. Happy gardening.

Until next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners plant more Lilacs here at Watters Garden Center.

Lisa Watters-Lain can be found at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through her website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants. com.