Flowering Shrubs

Lilacs (Syringa spp)

Everyone recognizes this old favourite. Lilacs are one of the easiest plants to grow–adaptable and nearly indestructible, faithfully producing their intensely fragrant flowers every spring. The 'Lilac' name is derived from the Persian word 'lilak' (meaning bluish) but amongst the hundreds of varieties, colouring can range from pure white to pink, red and every imaginable shade of purple, besides blue. Lilacs work equally well as a single plant or as a wonderfully ornamental and extremely hardy hedge.

Now, for the real bonus–this is actually an edible and medicinal plant! (It's sort of like someone you've known for years, then eventually finding out they're a doctor!) The flowers can be used for fritters, similar to elder blossoms, or to make jam and syrup. In France lilac wine and candied lilacs are both a delicacy. Traditionally the bark, branches and foliage were used to reduce fevers. Kidney disease and malaria were also treated with it. Lilacs are the exact opposite of blueberries. They prefer alkaline or high pH soils and will respond with gusto to wood ashes spread around the base.
We are offering several of the best hybrid French varieties.

Snowball - (Viburnum opulus 'Roseum')