Plants

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'

[Dwarf Meyer Lilac]

Flowers by the time it reaches one foot tall, very floriferous. Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Flowers can be damaged by a late spring freeze. Best to prune immediately after flowering to promote flower buds for the next year.

Syringa pekinensis 'Morton' [sold as Sold as China Snow™]

[China Snow Lilac]

Popular tree to be used on streets because it fits under utility lines, is tolerant to salt spray, and has no serious insect or disease problems. However, It does require proper drainage. It also has very attractive exfoliating bark with a amber tone.

Syringa pubescens ssp. patula

[Manchurian Lilac]

Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance.

Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim'

[Miss Kim Manchurian Lilac]

'Miss Kim' is known for its prolific fragrant ice-blue flower panicles and more dense, compact habit. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Heat tolerant, so grows better in warmer climates than other lilacs. Also known as Syringa patula 'Miss Kim'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Taxus canadensis

[Canada Yew]