Lilac : Flower Facts

Origins

Lilacs were first cultivated in the middle of the last century in Europe, and most of the varieties developed are those still sold today. Flowers are extremely fragrant and attract bees, butterflies and birds. Used in floral arrangements or alone. Fur traders in the late 17th Century are said to have planted Lilac bushes on Macanac Island that remain there today. Native to Europe and the temperate zones of Asia, lilac is popular spring flower, prized for their delicate blooms and their lovely fragrance. Lilacs are members of the Oleaceae, or olive, family. Their genus name is Syringa, derived from the Greek syrinx, or "pipe," which refers to the flower's hollow shoots. Mostly known to florists by its genus name Syringa (pronounced sir-IN-ga)., Lilac is a well known shrub in English country cottage gardens. The cut flower is far more glamorous than the shrub with long branches laden with flowers. The flowers are very labour intensive to grow but the final result is well worth it.

Flower Availability and Vase Life

October to May

3-7 days.

Care and Handling

Allow the leaf cluster nearest to the flower clusters to remain intact. This will help draw water up to the blossom. Do not split or crush lilac branches since these procedures only end up damaging the branches water transport structures.

Florist Design Uses

An attractive accent in spring arrangements. For simplicity, use lilacs in a vase alone. Does not last well in floral foam.

Colours: Available in white, mauve, violet or pink. The purple-flowered varieties, which have the stronger scent, are only available in spring for a very short season of only around six weeks.