They are one of several European species that was introduced into North America deliberately by European settlers. It may surprise you to learn that there are no species of lilacs that are native to this continent.
Are lilacs indigenous to Canada?
Lilacs are part of New England’s horticultural heritage, but like much of the region’s diverse citizenry, are not native to North America. Of the 20-plus species of lilacs, two derive from Europe and the others are from Asia. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) originated in eastern Europe.
When did lilacs come to Canada?
Lilacs found their way from peasant gardens in Romania to the royal courts in Europe and Asia in the 16th century and into North America in the 18th century. It was one of the first shrubs brought to Canada by homesick settlers.
How invasive are lilac bushes?
Lilac roots aren’t considered invasive and as long as you leave enough space between the tree, or shrub, and the structure, there is little risk from planting lilacs near foundations. Lilac roots generally spread one and one-half times the width of the shrub.
Where do lilacs grow naturally?
Common lilac is native to Europe, but is now found throughout much of the northeastern half the US and Canada, as well as into some western states. Leaves, flowers and fruits: Common lilac leaves are heart-shaped with smooth edges.
How did lilacs come to Canada?
They are one of several European species that was introduced into North America deliberately by European settlers. It may surprise you to learn that there are no species of lilacs that are native to this continent.
Where should you not plant lilacs?
Lilacs grow best in full sun, so avoid planting them where they will be shaded for more than half a day. Be sure to plant them with enough space for future growth.
Is there a difference between a lilac tree and a lilac bush?
The difference comes down to the amount and placement of stems. Lilac bushes (AKA shrubs) are defined in the typical manner, with multiple woody stems coming up from the base of the plant. In contrast, most lilac trees have one single woody stem: the trunk.
What is a Canadian lilac?
The Pocahontas Canadian Lilac is a deciduous shrub growing over 10 feet tall, and almost as wide, with a rounded bushy form. In spring it is smothered with fragrant blooms, flowering a week to ten days before the common lilac does.
Why did farmers plant lilacs?
They became a common plant in American yards. New Englanders planted lilacs near their front doors as a sign of welcome. Those lonesome lilacs in the woods might have marked an entryway. Or, because an outhouse had to be moved from time to time, when it was, a lilac would be planted in its place.
How do you stop lilacs from spreading?
You can install barriers that go down 6 inches or more into the ground that should keep the lilacs from spreading through to your landscape beds. The barrier could be a poly-based material with steel or metal edging.
What is the lifespan of a lilac bush?
Lilacs are relatively long-lived plants (25 years to 50+ years) depending on how they have been cared for and their growing conditions.
Does cutting lilacs hurt the bush?
Lilacs should be pruned yearly to develop a good framework of stems and promote vigorous growth that enhances flowering. Yearly pruning consists of cutting diseased, misshapen, and unproductive stems to the ground. I also thin and remove some stems to encourage properly spaced, vigorous growth.
Are lilacs an invasive species?
For example, hosta, smoke tree, boxwoods, Japanese tree lilacs, dwarf shrub junipers, and serviceberry are all non-native to the region but are not known to be invasive.
Where do lilacs grow in Canada?
Most lilac species are native to northern China and do well on the Canadian prairies. Plant breeders have improved them for over 150 years and have developed many varieties with attractive blooms and more compact plant forms.
Are lilacs poisonous to dogs?
Lilacs do not contain any chemicals that will poison animals or humans, nor do they irritate the skin. Even though lilac stems, leaves, and flowers pose no health threat to dogs, it is a good idea to keep your dog from chewing on the plant.
Do lilacs attract wildlife?
Lilacs attract butterflies, provide caterpillar food and offer cover for birds and butterflies.
What does the Bible say about lilacs?
And then I looked closely at a lilac flower just coming into bloom. And it preached to me: “Consider the [lilacs], how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Luke 12:27).
Do lilacs attract bees and wasps?
Beautiful, fragrant lilacs are always a good idea if you have the space—and it’s not hard to see why bees love them. Lilacs love well-drained soils and the sun, and they grow into large bushes over time, so leave plenty of space for these bee friendly plants to grow when starting your garden.
Are lilacs low maintenance?
Once established, lilacs are fairly drought tolerant and require minimal care. Plant them in a place where you can enjoy the fragrant spring blossoms. Combine them with summer and fall blooming shrubs and perennials to ensure continuous color in your landscape.
How cold is too cold for lilacs?
-40 degrees Fahrenheit
This plant thrives in USDA growing zones 3 through 7. Lilacs are hardy shrubs, meaning that they need very little care to survive. They can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 C) but may need some protection from icy winds that damage the flower buds.