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Popular Name:
Lilac
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Botanical Name and Pronunciation:
Syringa vulgaris (si-RIN-ga vul-GAH-ris)
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Common Name(s):
n/a
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Color(s):
purple, mauve, pink, white
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Form and Size:
The stems of lilac are woody and up to 24 inches long. The stems ends have a pyramidal shape that is made up of many star-like blooms that cluster tightly together.
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Vase Life:
5 – 10 days
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Availability:
late-winter – spring
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Care Instructions:
Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food.
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History and Usage:
A member of the Oleaceae (olive) family, the sweetly fragrant lilac blooms originated in Europe and Central Asia. Its botanical name, Syringa vulgaris, comes from the word “syrinx” which is Greek for a pipe. This is in reference to the hollow stem of lilac.
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Points of Interest:
Relatives of lilac include forsythia, jasmine and osmanthus. Besides its strong fragrance, lilac is well known for its long life. It has been said that a lilac plant will live long after the person who planted it has died. In fact, on Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan there are lilac bushes that have been traced back to the 17th century. They were said to have been planted by fur trappers who visited the area at that time.
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Ethylene Sensitive:
Yes
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