General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but best bloom is in full sun. Prefers organically rich, moist, slightly acidic soils with good drainage. Avoid soggy soils. Needs good air circulation. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. To the extent practicable, promptly remove faded flower panicles before seed set. Best grown in cool summer climates, and is not recommended for planting in the deep South below USDA Zone 7. Promptly remove root suckers, particularly on grafted plants, to maintain plant appearance.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Native to eastern Europe, common lilac is an upright deciduous shrub that typically matures to 15-20 tall and features a mid-spring bloom of fragrant, pink/blue-lavender flowers in large panicles. Monge is a Lemoine lilac first introduced in 1913. It typically matures over time to 8-12 tall and as wide. It is noted for its spring (April-May) bloom of fragrant, single, deep reddish-purple flowers that bloom in showy panicles (each to 9 long). Flowers give way to loose clusters of brown capsules that persist into winter if not removed. Round-oval dark green leaves (to 5 long). No fall color.
Problems:
This lilac is susceptible to a number of disease problems including blights, leaf spots, wilts, ring spot virus and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests include scales, borers, leaf miners and caterpillars.
Uses:
Fragrant flowers are treasured for many areas around the home. Excellent as a specimen/accent or in small groups. Shrub borders. Screens. Cottage gardens. Good cut flower.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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