This page was exported from Shelburne Free Press [ https://shelburnefreepress.ca ] Export date:Tue Jul 23 11:23:56 2024 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: The Gardener’s Corner – growing dwarf lilacs --------------------------------------------------- I am thinking of the lilac-trees, That shook their purple plumes, And when the sash was open, Shed fragrance through the rooms. ~Anna Stephens The unmistakable scent of lilacs in spring is a heavenly reminder that summer is just around the corner. Country roads lined with common lilacs in shades of pink, purple, burgundy and white perfume the air so profusely that insects are drawn from great distances to gather nectar. Large common lilacs (syringa vulgaris) are fine for big properties and are reminiscent of farmyards and grandmother's front lawn. However, a smaller property should have trees and shrubs that are in proportion to its size. The family of dwarf lilacs are just as beautiful and fragrant and perfect for a residential yard.  ‘Josee' has pretty pink flowers and she reaches 120-180 cm when mature. Proven Winners has had success with ‘Bloomerang' a pink flowering shrub that will achieve a height of 1.5 m tall.  Hardy to zone 3, it blooms in June and will even be happy in a site with partial shade. New for 2013 is ‘Bloomerang Dark Purple', the same great features as the original but with purple flowers. If an even smaller lilac is wanted, there is ‘Scent and Sensibility Pink' that only grows to 0.9 cm tall. The dwarf varieties will tolerate heat and drought well and rebloom intermittently throughout summer. In the Fairytale series there is ‘Tinkerbelle' with wine red flowers that open to pink and grows 200 cm tall and her sister ‘Fairy Dust' that is a compact 150 cm with antique pink fragrant flowers. ‘Prince Charming' has deep wine red buds maturing to a lavender pink with a spicy fragrance and ‘Sugar Plum Fairy' has clear rosy-pink blossoms with a strong spicy scent and both are also 150 cm tall. ‘Palibin' is a dwarf Korean lilac that forms a compact, low growing shrub with tiny lavender-pink flowers in June. It rarely needs pruning and several together could be useful for a dense low hedge. ‘Miss Kim' has flower buds that are purple and open to a fragrant icy blue in late May to early June. Plant the dwarf lilacs in enriched well-drained soil with supplemental watering during dry spells. As well they will benefit from the addition of a balanced fertilizer once a year right after blooming and are perfect for a container on a balcony or deck. Some of the dwarf varieties are available as standards; they've been pruned to grow upright with one stem and flower only at the top. Lilacs can be planted in spring or fall and be sure to add a layer of mulch to help keep the moisture in the soil. Prune the spent flowers within a few days so energy doesn't go to creating seeds and the flower buds for next year will set. To see photos of the dwarf lilacs in my yard visit my website at http://lavendercottagegardening.blogspot.ca/2013/05/lilacs-to-love.html By Judith Rogers     --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2013-06-06 11:46:15 Post date GMT: 2013-06-06 15:46:15 Post modified date: 2013-06-13 11:37:37 Post modified date GMT: 2013-06-13 15:37:37 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com