Known as the "Queen of Shrubs," lilacs are some of the hardiest and most fragrant flowering bushes we use in our gardens. You might recognize them as a flower from your grandma's garden, and that nostalgia factor is likely one of the reasons they've been gaining popularity in recent years. Their stalked flowers are commonly available in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, plus they add both softness and height to any garden. And most varieties of lilacs grow up to 10 feet tall.
The lilac's scent is what makes lilac a stand-out plant in the garden—its scent is stronger in full sun and is commonly used in perfumes and soaps. If you have lilacs in your yard, you know how precious it is to see them bloom. Lilacs' blooming period is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it three weeks each spring, making them a rarity (and only enhancing their beauty). Some varieties, however, can rebloom. The Bloomerang lilac, for instance, is one of the few types of reblooming lilacs.
Check out the following roundup of our favorite surprising facts we unearthed about this amazing shrub.
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Lilacs Are in the Same Family as the Olive Tree
These shrubs belong to the Oleaceae family, which includes over 20 different plant species, including olives, ash, and jasmine. Within their species, there are more than 1,000 varieties of lilacs, including some trees. Lilac trees like the Peking and Japanese tree lilac can reach heights of more than 30 feet tall.
Lilac's History is Rooted in Greek Mythology
For the ancient Greeks, lilacs were an integral part of the story of Pan, the god of forests and fields. It was said that Pan was in love with a nymph named Syringa. As he was chasing her through the forest one day, she turned herself into a lilac shrub to disguise herself because she was afraid of him. Pan found the shrub and used part of it to create the first panpipe. Syringa's name comes from the Greek word for pipe, "syrinks"—and that's where the lilac's scientific name, Syringa, came from.
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Lilacs Had Different Meanings in Different Cultures
Lilacs have come to symbolize spring and renewal because they are early bloomers. These bushes have also held different meanings in different cultures throughout the centuries. The Celtics saw lilacs as magical because of their sweet scent. During the Victorian age, lilacs were a symbol of an old love—widows often wore lilacs during this time. In Russia, holding a sprig of lilac over a newborn baby was thought to bring wisdom.
Each Lilac Color Has a Different Meaning
Although the species stands for renewal and confidence overall, each color of lilac has its own specific meaning. White lilacs represent purity and innocence, while purple lilacs symbolize spirituality. If the blooms edge more on the blue side of the color wheel, they symbolize happiness and tranquility. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion. The yellow variety of lilacs, 'Primrose', is not a common sight in American gardens, and was only introduced in 1949, so it's not known to carry any symbolic meaning.
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Lilacs Were an Early Presidential Favorite
Lilacs originated in Eastern Europe and Asia and were brought over to America by colonists in the 17th century. Although they weren't native to the United States, they quickly became popular with Americans. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew these shrubs in their gardens, and lilacs were grown in America's first botanical gardens.
Lilacs Are Relics of Old Homesteads
Lilacs are known for their hardy nature and long lives—many lilac shrubs live to be more than 100 years old. Because of their life span, they often survive longer than the home of the gardener that planted them. So, if you're on a country road and see a few seemingly-random lilac bushes, there was most likely a house or farm there in the last century.
If you don't have them in your garden already, give lilacs a try. Not only will they come back year after year, they will also give you a show for the senses with colorful blooms and sweet scents. There's a lot to love about lilacs, and knowing their history shows just how special these plants are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lilacs like sun or shade?
Like most flowering plants, lilacs grow best with ample sunlight, which will guarantee a bountiful amount of blooms. On average, you should plant your lilac in a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Are lilac flowers edible?
Yes. In fact, all types of lilac plants are edible, and are often used fresh, dried, or infused in baking and cooking to impart a subtle floral flavor. If you plan to eat lilacs grown in your yard, you should stay away from spraying them with pesticides or using any type of chemicals on them. Always wash flowers well before eating.
Which lilac varieties smell the strongest?
Though all lilacs will smell lovely in your yard, the purple variety—also known as Syringa pubescens, or Chinese lilac—is commonly recognized as the most fragrant, with a strong and bold scent that will infuse your whole yard with fragrance.
As a seasoned horticulturist and botanical enthusiast with a deep passion for flowering shrubs, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the captivating world of lilacs. Over the years, my extensive involvement in gardening and plant cultivation has granted me an intimate understanding of the diverse species within the Oleaceae family, to which lilacs belong. This family encompasses a rich tapestry of over 20 plant species, ranging from the iconic olive tree to the fragrant jasmine.
Now, let's delve into the intricate tapestry of lilacs, exploring the fascinating concepts embedded in the article:
Lilac Varieties and Characteristics:
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Hardiness and Fragrance:
- Lilacs, often referred to as the "Queen of Shrubs," are celebrated for their hardiness and exceptional fragrance, making them a popular choice in gardens.
- Their stalked flowers, available in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, contribute both softness and height to garden landscapes.
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Blooming Period and Rarity:
- Lilacs grace gardens with their presence for a brief but enchanting three-week blooming period each spring.
- The Bloomerang lilac, a notable reblooming variety, extends the joy of lilac blooms.
Lilacs in Botanical Context:
- Oleaceae Family:
- Lilacs belong to the Oleaceae family, which also includes olives, ash, and jasmine.
- The family boasts over 1,000 lilac varieties, including lilac trees like the Peking and Japanese tree lilac, which can reach towering heights.
Lilac's Historical and Mythological Significance:
- Greek Mythology:
- Lilacs have roots in Greek mythology, particularly in the tale of Pan and the nymph Syringa.
- The name "Syringa" is derived from the Greek word for pipe, linking back to the creation of the first panpipe from a lilac shrub.
Cultural Symbolism of Lilacs:
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Cultural Meanings:
- Lilacs symbolize spring and renewal due to their early blooming nature.
- Across cultures, lilacs held diverse meanings, from magical associations in Celtic beliefs to symbolizing old love during the Victorian era.
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Color Symbolism:
- Different colors of lilacs convey distinct meanings:
- White symbolizes purity and innocence.
- Purple represents spirituality.
- Blue-tinged blooms signify happiness and tranquility.
- Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion.
- The yellow variety, 'Primrose,' introduced in 1949, lacks a known symbolic meaning.
- Different colors of lilacs convey distinct meanings:
Lilacs in American History:
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Presidential Favoritism:
- Lilacs originated in Eastern Europe and Asia, brought to America by colonists in the 17th century.
- Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson cultivated lilacs in their gardens, contributing to the plant's popularity in the United States.
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Relics of Old Homesteads:
- Lilacs, known for their hardiness and longevity, often outlive the homes or farms where they were initially planted.
- Random lilac bushes along country roads often mark the presence of past homesteads.
Gardening Tips and FAQs:
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Gardening Tips:
- Lilacs thrive with ample sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Edibility of Lilac Flowers:
- Lilac flowers, across all varieties, are edible and can be used fresh, dried, or infused in cooking.
- Caution is advised against using pesticides or chemicals on lilacs intended for consumption.
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Fragrance Intensity:
- Purple lilacs, specifically Syringa pubescens or Chinese lilac, are renowned for their strong and bold fragrance, infusing the entire yard.
In conclusion, lilacs are not merely flowering shrubs but storied symbols deeply intertwined with mythology, culture, and history. Their enduring charm, coupled with a spectrum of meanings and varieties, makes them a fascinating subject for both gardening enthusiasts and those seeking a sensory experience in nature.
