Since the post I wrote three weeks ago about Rochester’s Lilac Festival, I’ve gotten assorted questions about lilacs that will bloom in the south, and particularly in Florida.
I checked with Doc Lilac, one of the foremost authorities on lilacs, and he shared that there are about a dozen that will bloom in warm climates. All of the “Southern Bloomers” listed below are available through Lilac Hill Nursery.
Angel White will bloom in southern climates
- Lilac Sunday – Chinese-type but pinkish lavender flowers bloom 2″ along the stem. Make a great hedge.
- Lavender Lady - Blooms in the south.
- Common Lilac - Oldest, most fragrant, robust lavender-purple.
- Angel White – Highly rated, blooms in the south.
- Avalanche – Gorgeous white. Robust grower. New.
- Declaration – Magenta
- Excel - Pink
- Sylvan Beauty – Lavender Pink
- California Rose – Lightest Pink
Maidens Blush is a good bet
The following varieties, Doc described as “Worth a try” for southern climates:
- Tinkerbelle – New Similar to Korean – loaded with hot pink flowers.
- Miss Kim – Purple buds open icy lavender blue. Fragrant & long-blooming.
- Korean Lilac – Small plant, small leaves, fall color. Very fragrant.
- Mt. Baker – Blooms early, young. Extremely fragrant. Fall colors in leaves.
- Esther Staley – Magenta, opening to pink. Early, heavy bloomer.
- Maidens Blush – Rose buds, pink flower, blooms early on young plants. Flowers like hydrangea.
If you have questions about these plants, please feel free to call (585) 251-1830 or visit Lilac Hill Nursery located at 2366 Turk Hill Road, Victor.
