Lilacs are a beloved classic in Midwest landscapes, offering stunning spring blooms and a nostalgic fragrance that evokes memories of childhood gardens and visits to grandma’s house.

At Earl May Garden Center, we offer a variety of lilacs that thrive in Midwest climates, ensuring you’ll enjoy their beauty year after year.

Why Choose Lilacs?

• Extremely Winter Hardy – Lilacs withstand harsh Midwest winters, making them a reliable shrub for your landscape.
• Timeless Appeal – Some lilac varieties date back to the early 1900s and remain popular today.
• New & Improved Varieties – Modern cultivars offer expanded color options, increased disease resistance, and more compact growth habits.
• Fragrant Spring Blooms – Few plants rival the sweet, nostalgic scent of lilac flowers. Great for cut flower bouquets.
• Diverse Color Selection – Lilacs bloom in a range of shades, including purple, pink, white, and blue.

Top Lilac Varieties that Customers Love

We offer a selection of lilacs to fit any garden style, including:

• Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac – #1 GUEST FAVORITE - A compact variety with fragrant, dark purple blooms, perfect for smaller spaces.
• Virtual Violet – NEW - Violet-trimmed leaves, deep purple stems, and raspberry-purple buds that bloom into fragrant violet flowers. Keeps its rich stem color well into summer.
• Old-Fashioned Lilac – The classic, large lilac with strong fragrance and traditional purple flowers. Available in purple or white.
• Lilac Sensation – A unique bi-color variety with deep purple blooms edged in white, adding striking contrast to your landscape.

 

Lilac Care & Planting Tips

For the healthiest, most vibrant lilacs, follow these care guidelines:

• Full Sun is Essential – Lilacs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom abundantly.
• Prune at the Right Time – Prune immediately after blooming to encourage bud formation for the following year.
• Size Variety – Lilacs range in height and width, with traditional varieties reaching 10’ x 10’ and compact types growing 4-5’ tall and wide.

Companion Planting for Lilacs

Enhance your garden with companion plants that complement lilacs beautifully:

• Summer-Blooming Perennials – Extend seasonal color with salvia, garden phlox, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, and butterfly milkweed.
• Textural Contrast – Grasses like little bluestem and Karl Foerster grass add movement and interest.
• Underplanting Options – Hardy geranium, creeping phlox, and creeping thyme provide a lush groundcover beneath lilacs.
• Full Sun Shrub Companions – Compact weigela, shrub roses, and paniculata hydrangeas offer additional color and texture.

Find the Perfect Lilac at Earl May Garden Center

Whether you’re looking for a classic variety or a modern compact option, Earl May Garden Center has the perfect lilac for your landscape. Visit us today to explore our selection and bring the timeless beauty of lilacs to your yard!