Gardening by Judith Adam Early-blooming lilacs While waiting patiently for roses to put out their first blossoms, there’s an opportunity to be instantly gratified by the romantic and heavily fragranced flowers of hyacinth lilacs (Syringa hyacinthiflora), the earliest lilacs to bloom in our northern climate. The many French and Canadian hybrids in this early category have generous trusses of single or double blossoms with a classic lilac scent that is delightfully carried by chilled spring breezes. The shrubs grow tall (eight to 10 feet), with upright structure and little suckering, and bloom reliably every year. Their vaselike form makes them ideal for filling corners or framing a wide view. The smooth, heart-shaped leaves have ornamental value, turning bronze and burgundy in autumn. Hyacinth lilacs should be allowed to assume their height with only light pruning for shape and dead twig removal. Hyacinth lilacs are also simply known as early lilacs, and some named hybrids to look for are ‘Pocohontas’ (burgundy buds, single bluish-purple flowers), ‘Maiden’s Blush’ (single blush-pink flowers, heavy fragrance), ‘Royal Purple’ (double deep-purple flowers with blue centres, two-tone effect), ‘Swarthmore’ (pink buds, double mauve flowers streaked white), ‘Mount Baker’ (single white, heavy bloomer). There is a long list of named early-blooming hyacinth lilacs, and it’s worth visiting a selection of local plant centres to see what named hybrids are on offer this season. The hyacinth lilacs are cold hardy and disease resistant and are easily grown in common garden soil that drains adequately in all seasons. Like any plant that carries large numbers of floral petals, they appreciate regular watering all through the growing season. They bloom most prolifically in full sun locations and with fewer hours of direct sunlight, the number of blooms will be reduced. But no matter how many flowers open in early spring, the scent alone is enough reason to keep them in your personal landscape. Setting the garden stage for early spring lilacs and mid-spring rose blooms Welcome home to a spring garden already on its own blooming schedule. In this impatient season, you can count on the earliest spring flowers from deeply scented hyacinth lilacs. But don’t rush the roses with too much love and fertilizer. 44 | www.snowbirds.org
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