The old fashioned dark purple lilac is a garden classic prized for its stunning blooms and intoxicating fragrance. With its long history and nostalgic associations, this heirloom lilac variety remains one of the most beloved spring-flowering shrubs. If you want to add a touch of old-world romance to your landscape, look no further than the elegant dark purple lilac bush.
A Brief History of Lilacs
Lilacs have a long and storied history Native to the Balkan Peninsula, lilacs were first cultivated in the 1560s after the Austrian ambassador to Turkey brought back samples from the wild These small, fragrant shrubs with purple flowers quickly caught on across Europe. By the 1800s, lilacs had made their way to America and became a garden staple.
The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) emerged as the forerunner prized for its hardiness and richly-hued blooms. Over the centuries, nurserymen have introduced different cultivars, but the old fashioned dark purple lilac remains one of the most iconic.
The Appeal of the Dark Purple Lilac
So what makes the old fashioned dark purple lilac so special?
Abundant fragrant blooms. Few flowers can match the heady perfume of classic lilacs in full bloom. The flower panicles exude a sweet, spicy scent that carries on the breeze.
Vibrant purple color. The buds emerge a deep reddish-purple before opening to shades of lavender, lilac, and violet. The dark tones give the blooms dramatic visual impact.
Nostalgic associations. Lilacs evoke memories of grandmother’s garden and old homesteads. Their vintage appeal gives landscapes a romantic, old-world look.
Easy care. Once established, lilacs are unfussy, hardy shrubs. They tolerate cold winters, hot summers, and need minimal care.
Multi-season interest. Handsome foliage turns yellow in fall. The bushy shape provides structure during winter.
For flower lovers, the lilac’s stunning bloom display is reason enough to grow these heirloom shrubs. The nostalgia factor only adds to their timeless appeal.
Growing Dark Purple Lilacs
Luckily, old fashioned dark purple lilacs are easy to grow. Here are some tips:
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Planting: Choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil. Give lilacs ample room as they mature into large shrubs.
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Care: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. Water during drought. Prune after flowering.
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Pruning: Remove spent blooms and shape the shrub after flowering. Occasional rejuvenation pruning keeps plants vigorous.
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Propagation: Take 6-8” cuttings from new growth in summer. Dip in rooting hormone and pot up in soilless mix.
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Pests: Watch for borers, scale, and powdery mildew. Maintain vigor through proper care.
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Hardiness: Tolerates cold winters and warmer summers. Hardy in zones 3-7. Protect from extreme heat.
With minimal care, dark purple lilacs will grace your garden for years to come. Their resilience and staying power make them ideal heirloom plants to pass down.
Enjoying the Blooms
One of the best parts of growing lilacs is reveling in their yearly floral display. Here are ways to enjoy those precious blooms:
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Cut sprays for bouquets indoors. Freshen the water daily to prolong vase life.
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Weave blossoms into flower crowns and hair adornments.
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Craft aromatic sachets and potpourris by drying the blooms.
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Set small bouquets around the home to perfume the air.
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Float blooms in bowls of fruit punch or lemonade for color and fragrance.
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Infuse lilac flowers in vinegar or oil to make scented condiments.
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Whip up floral delicacies like lilac jelly, ice cream, or syrup.
However you decide to savor those blossoms, the old fashioned dark purple lilac promises a yearly spectacle of color and perfume. It’s no wonder this time-honored classic remains popular after so many centuries in cultivation.
Decorating with Lilacs
Beyond the garden, lilacs make fantastic cut flowers and their uses are only limited by your imagination. Here are some ways to decorate with lilacs indoors and out:
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Create a stunning lilac bouquet as the centerpiece for an outdoor dinner party. Match the table linens to the flowers for a cohesive look.
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Craft a lilac wreath to hang on your front door as a fragrant welcome to visitors.
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Display a vase of lilacs on an entryway table or console for a refreshing springtime look.
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Place individual blooms in bud vases and scatter them down the center of the dining table for a romantic touch.
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Float lilac stems in a clear glass vase for a simple yet elegant look.
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Weave blooms into a flower crown to wear at your next special occasion or photoshoot.
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Add lilac sprigs to floral centerpieces at weddings and events for a touch of vintage charm.
With their graceful blooms and heady scent, lilacs infuse any space with beauty and nostalgia. Let them lend their old-world magic to your spring decor this year.
5 Top Varieties of Old Fashioned Lilacs
While the common dark purple lilac steals the show, there are many outstanding heirloom varieties to choose from. Here are 5 top picks:
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Charles Joly: Double purplish-red blooms on a compact shrub. Intensely fragrant.
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Miss Ellen Willmott: Elegant double white flowers on large panicles. Sweet perfume.
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Katherine Havemeyer: Single lavender-pink blooms. Compact growth to 6 feet tall.
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Maud Notcutt: Long, impressive spikes of rosy-purple flowers. Bold color impact.
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Primrose: Unique light yellow blooms with the classic lilac scent. 8-10 feet tall.
Along with beauty and fragrance, these varieties offer neat growth habits, cold hardiness, and excellent floral displays. With so many choices, you’re sure to find your perfect lilac match.
In Closing
For centuries, the old fashioned dark purple lilac has enchanted gardeners with its stunning blooms and intoxicating scent. Easy to grow, these heirloom shrubs promise years of enjoyment with minimal fuss. If you seek a shrub with vintage appeal, look no further than this time-tested classic. Let the elegant dark purple lilac infuse your spring garden with nostalgia, romance, and natural perfume.
What is a Common Purple Lilac?
The Common Purple Lilac is the native Syringa vulgaris shrub that is typically found growing in sunny pastures, roadsides, and fields. These Common Lilacs have the classic strong fragrance the species is known for.
Is Common Purple Lilac fast-growing? How fast does a Common Purple Lilac grow?
Lilacs generally have a medium growth rate and can obtain about 12-18 inches a year in optimal growing conditions.
Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac
FAQ
What are the dark purple lilacs called?
Big, bold, and beautiful – that’s Bloomerang® Dark Purple lilac. Naturally growing as a handsome, rounded shrub, very large dark purple buds emerge in mid to late spring.
How big do old fashioned lilac bushes get?
A favorite of northern gardeners, the Old-Fashioned Lilac is sure to delight your senses with its fragrance and lilac-purple flower panicles. Also called the common lilac, this flowering shrub grows 8-15 ft. tall with a 6-12 ft. spread.
What is the Old Wives tale about lilacs?
Old English tradition holds that lilac trees were favoured by faeries. In the olden days, faeries were highly feared; wild and unpredictable, they were thought to kidnap people. By displaying lilac, you were running the risk of luring them into your home.
How do you take care of an old fashioned lilac bush?
Avoid wet or soggy conditions. Fertilizing: If desired, apply a granular (not liquid) fertilizer formulated for woody plants in late winter/early spring. Pruning: Lilacs bloom on old wood, so should only be pruned immediately after blooming. At that point, it can be trimmed, shaped, or thinned.