By Tammy Thornton
If you walk through a garden this time of year and become entranced by a wonderful scent wafting through the air, chances are you have happened upon lilacs. Their fragrance can fill an entire garden with heavenly perfume. Though the beautiful clusters of flowers only last for a short time, lilac bushes have been known to live over 100 years.
Though lilacs can grow in partial shade, they need full sun for the best blooms. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline to neutral. Our South Jersey weather provides the perfect conditions for lilacs since they need a period of cold dormancy to trigger flowering, and full sun in spring.
To promote blooms for the following year, prune spent flowers immediately after they have finished blooming, since they begin to form next year’s flower buds shortly after the flowers fade. If you wait too long, you may accidentally sacrifice next year’s flowers. Thinning out branches will improve air circulation. Prune out any dead or damaged branches as well as those that are crossing or rubbing. After removing the oldest stems, allow some of the strongest suckers to grow and eventually replace these main branches. But do not allow too many suckers to remain, as this will draw strength away from the plant. If you are able to remove suckers with roots attached, these can be planted as a way to propagate new plants.
Even though lilac bushes have a long lifespan, over time, mature lilacs will produce fewer flowers and will probably need a refresh. As these older lilacs show signs of their age, they may need to be pruned more aggressively than just a light pruning. In order to minimize stress to the plant, you can accomplish this refresh with a process covering a three-year period. In this method, you remove one-third of the oldest, thickest stems down to the ground each year for three years. This method is best for an overgrown lilac and after three years you should have a healthy plant with mostly new shoots.

Of course, the best way to enjoy lilacs is up close and personal as cut flowers that you can bring indoors. You may have received a vase of freshly cut fragrant lilacs from a friend, only to have them wilt or go limp. Fortunately, we have a trick for that. Because lilacs have woody stems, it is difficult for them to absorb water and stay hydrated. One solution is to lightly pound the bottom of the stem with a hammer to open up the stem, allowing the flowers to take up water more easily. You can also cut a one-inch slit up the stem. Be sure to immediately place the stems in a vase of water and change the water frequently. This same method can be used for other flowers with woody stems, such as hydrangeas.
Did you know that lilac flowers are edible? That’s right, you can eat the flowers of the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). The best way to enjoy lilac flowers for consumption is to use them to infuse sugar, sugar water, or honey. You can also steep lilac blossoms to make lilac lemonade or tea. The flowers can also be used as a lovely garnish for salads, desserts, or beverages. Some other ways to enjoy lilac flowers: lilac jelly, lilac ice cream, lilac fritters, and candied lilacs. Let your culinary creativity guide you, and soon you will have visions of sugared lilacs dancing in your heads. We would love to hear about your favorite ways to enjoy lilacs, send your anecdotes, questions, or comments to: shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.



