Three new and unusual Lilacs chosen by plant hunter Lark Hanham
Symbols of true love, Lilacs (Syringas) have been much-coveted for centuries. Often seen growing along fences or even as an ornamental flowering hedge, they are a valuable garden-worthy genus to use in the garden as they’re unfussy on planting location and soil. Their extensive flower power bolsters their popularity and secures their highly sought-after status. Perhaps it’s their hardiness, surviving -20C without any backlashes, or maybe its their ease of growth and their immense durability. Nonetheless, they’re a must- have specimen for anyone trying to create that cottage garden vibe and with 12 recognised varieties in the genus to choose from, there’s a lilac for everyone. Plant in sunnier, easily-visible locations to maximise their intoxicating scents and their dreamy splashes of colour in spring and early summer.
vulgaris Lila Wonder (PBR)
Through May and June, Lila Wonder appears a lovely dusky-mauve addition to your spring garden until you get up close and notice each individual bloom is delicately bi-coloured with a white rim and lilac centre. Don’t worry, this tweak in genetics hasn’t seen the normal
mouth-watering scent from a vulgaris disappear; it’s still as alluring as always. Its stature is also conveniently upright and not sprawling. Height 2.4 and spread 2m.
Repeat-Blooming Dwarf Lilac
This revolutionary lilac boasts the amazing nature of a repeat-flowering Syringa Bloomerang with one major improvement. Now the exciting Flowerfesta range features a compact, true-dwarf facelift with a well-branching form. Its flowering is unsurpassable and so long-lived it will provide intermittent delicate panicles of white tubular blooms from May to September. A valuable addition to any small space. Height and spread 1.25m.
Rare Persian Cut-Leaf Lilac
This highly sought-after ornamental specimen features unusual deeply-lobed feathery glaucous green leaves, adding to its definition and providing a contrasting charm. Even capable gardeners will be found asking for a cutting or a name for them to track it down. Why else would you want this rare beauty? If I said it even flowers in shade and only grows to a height and spread of 1.8m, surely the deal is done.
How to buy
Buy Lark’s new and unusual Lilacs
Offer closing date is June 5, 2018.