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Lilacs are highly admired by both home gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. The flowering shrub is known for its fragrant qualities, beautiful blossoms and low-maintenance. The Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA has one of the oldest and largest lilac collections in North America. Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, the lilac is the only one singled out each year for a daylong celebration, called Lilac Sunday. This event has become a symbol of spring in the Boston area - showcasing its 422-plant collection. Kevin Block, horticulturist for the lilac collection, offers some of the Arboretum's coveted species, including cultivated varieties that have a long history and hybrid plants that are found only in the park's collection. Lilacs can live for centuries, as is evident in the Arboretum, where the oldest lilac predates the park's 1872 founding. The best growing conditions for lilacs are in full sun and in well-drained soil - Block recommends planting on a slope. Gardeners should be aware that lilacs typically take 3 years to establish themselves and bloom in a new site. Special Thanks:
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