Tree Syringa reticulata [Japanese Tree Lilac] A very hardy and showy tree. Attractive, cherry-like mahogany-colored bark, distinctly different from all other lilacs. Widely adapted to soils and environments. Cut to ground to rejuvenate completely. Mildew resistant. Subject to infestations of borers and scale insects, but these are not usually serious enough to discourage its use where some maintenance is available. Alternate year flowering on different parts of the tree can sometimes occur, a problem that can be assuaged by deadheading (use…
Shrub/Tree Syringa sp. [Lilac] The Lilac genus, Syringa, is composed of over 20 species and numerous cultivars and variants of shrubs to small trees. The most well-known feature of lilacs is their showy, many times fragrant, flower panicles. Lilacs prefer cooler climates. Leggy plants can be rejuvenated by a hard pruning in the winter, with less intensive maintenance pruning after flowering. Can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, borers, and blight.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris [Common Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris 'Congo' [Congo Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris 'Marie Legraye' [Marie Legraye Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris 'May Day' [May Day Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation' [Sensation Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Also affected by blights, leaf spots, borers, scale, and other diseases and pests. Grows better in colder…
Shrub Taxus × media [Anglojap Yew] Highly variable in form, color, growth rate, and hardiness. Select carefully, especially for hardiness. Withstands nearly any amount of pruning. Black vine weevil can be a problem, but this is rare. Newly planted yews do not perform well in poorly drained soils. Perhaps overused in the urban landscape. Can be severely damaged by deer. Dioecious.
Shrub Taxus × media 'Andorra' [Andorra Anglojap Yew] 'Andorra' is a pyramidal selection that is uncommon in the trade. Withstands nearly any amount of pruning. Black vine weevil can be a problem, but this is rare. Newly planted yews do not perform well in poorly drained soils. Perhaps overused in the urban landscape. Can be severely damaged by deer. Dioecious.
Shrub Taxus × media 'Anthony Wayne' [Anthony Wayne Anglojap Yew] 'Anthony Wayne' is an interesting columnar, female cultivar that has strongly upward growing shoots tipped with bright green new growth. Withstands nearly any amount of pruning. Black vine weevil can be a problem, but this is rare. Newly planted yews do not perform well in poorly drained soils. Perhaps overused in the urban landscape. Can be severely damaged by deer.
