THE LILAC ZONE

'Duplex' is actually a Syringa chinensis, not a Syringa vulgaris. I tend to be partial to the vulgaris, but this chinensis is a double, which makes it very unique. I was thrilled to see it bloom and produce the double violet flowers that it exhibits! 

2019 proved to be the least-yielding in number of first-time bloomers to date, with only two lilacs producing their first blooms. Despite the disappointing number, it was still a thrill to see them, especially when one of them, 'Duplex', is very rare. I was able to confirm that the specimen that I have is in fact true-to-name and knowing this, once it gets bigger I fully intend on working with friends that I know to successfully reproduce it!

'Louvois' is a hyacinthiflora that produces striking violet florets in huge panicles. While the panicles that it produced this year were not nearly as robust as what attracted me to it when I saw it at the Arnold Arboretum, that is not surprising. Often it seems that the florets and/or panicles may differ somewhat during the first year of bloom than once the plant has fully matured. ***Update - further blooms of this cultivar revealed that is in not, in fact, 'Louvois'. That explains why the florets and panicles did not match what I obersved at the arboretum! LOL

This blue lilac, 'Martha Stewart', was not included in my count of first-time bloomers this year because I actually purchased it this year in bloom. That being said, locating and obtaining it was still one of the most exciting aspects of the 2019 season because this cultivar is very difficult to find in its true form. Unfortunately the nursery trade has been polluted with a double-flowered variety that is being 

propagated under the same name. There are very few true-to-name 'Martha Stewart' plants currently known to exist. My goal is to help to distribute the true form so that it continues to exist and others can enjoy its beauty!