Mason City Globe Gazette, IA
05-09-07
The flowers that bloom in the spring
By DEB NICKLAY, Of The Globe Gazette
It is lilac time in North Iowa, where landscapes of the deep purple, lilac, pink,
cream — even blue — flowers beckon us to breathe deep and enjoy.
There are hundreds of varieties of lilacs bushes, said James Romer,
coordinator of the Master Gardener Program for Iowa State University
Extension.
They have names such as “Agincourt Beauty” and “Chantilly Lace,” a tribute to
the blooms’ French heritage, although their history is also found in Asia.
Romer said it is a fine spring for lilacs and other flowering trees and shurbs.
He expected some delay in blooms this year due to the early warmth that was
quickly followed by extended cold.
“But they did not really seem to be affected — they are so fragrant and so
beautiful right now,” he said of the lilacs. The normal window for North Iowa
blooms is May 1-15.
It is also a fine time to plant a new bush. Lilacs can be planted anytime during the
warm months.
However, hold off on any pruning right now.
“People should prune after the blooms are done,” he said.
His favorite variety?
“President Lincoln,” due to its “true blue” hue and pungent fragrance.
Fragrance is lilac’s calling card, he added.
“If someone could figure out how to make a lilac re-bloom, well, that would be
better than winning the lottery,” Romer said with a chuckle.
Other notes on lilacs:
Lilacs in the United States date back to the mid-1750s. They were grown in
America’s first botanical gardens and were popular in New England. Both George
Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew them in their gardens.
Lilac bushes can live for hundreds of years.
Lilacs originated in Europe and Asia, with the majority of natural varieties coming
from Asia. In Europe, lilacs came from the Balkans, France and Turkey.
Crepe myrtle is often called the “southern lilac,” since lilacs cannot grow in the
South. Crepe myrtle, in reverse, cannot grow in the North.