In Colorado, when may I plant lilacs?
When the lilacs begin to blossom, it is a solid indicator that spring has arrived for good. While many people only have a limited knowledge of common lilac (also known as French lilac) shrubs that can reach a height of 15 feet or more, there are now a lot more options available than there were fifty years ago. Some varieties that rebloom enhance the garden’s appeal the entire growing season.
How to Choose Lilacs
The common lilac is what you will most likely find when you go plant shopping. This traditional plant comes in a variety of cultivars and variations, each of which yields fragrant spring flowers in pink, purple, white, or even combinations of those hues. Common lilacs are typically the most fragrant variety of lilac and can grow to be rangy and large.
Rebloomers have arrived in the garden center thanks to recent introductions of hybrids between the common lilac and other shrub-type lilacs. Some of these more recent types are a little less fragrant, but they also tend to be smaller, bloom more frequently throughout the growing season, and have fewer powdery mildew issues.
The tree lilac is another common variety of lilac. It can grow to a height of around 20 feet and blooms with cream-colored flowers in the middle of the summer. Though it doesn’t require much trimming, keep in mind that the tree lilac is a tree, not a shrub.
Where to Plant Lilacs
Lilacs should be planted in full light (at least 6 to 8 hours per day), as too much shadow will prevent them from blooming. Lilacs also prefer moist, well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline.
When to Plant Lilacs
Before the ground freezes in the late fall is the ideal time to plant lilacs. After the earth thaws in the early spring, that is the next ideal period to plant. Lilacs will likely need to be planted as soon as you can locate them at the garden center, which is great; if you choose to do so during a warmer season, they might require additional watering.
How to Prepare the Soil for Planting Lilacs
A soil test should be performed prior to planting since lilacs thrive in slightly alkaline (6.5 to 7.0 pH), moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Lime must be added to raise the pH if it is below 5.5. It’s time to get the soil ready when you’ve obtained the ideal pH. Improve individual planting holes by mixing Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs in a 50:50 ratio with the natural soil to give lilacs a nutrient-rich start. Iron and phosphorus are also present in this garden soil to promote root development and ward off leaf fading.
Lilacs
Your perfumed garden must have common purple lilacs. These lovely plants flower in late May with purple-blue blossoms. Although the blooms only bloom for a brief period of time (about two weeks in Colorado), they are resilient plants that are simple to grow and require little upkeep. These flowers appreciate direct sunlight and have a potent, sweet scent.
Although lilac blooms can come in a variety of colors, the deep purple kind is the most well-known. They are quite successful at luring important pollinators.
Make sure you have enough space for the kind you choose because lilacs come in a wide range of sizes and some can reach heights of 20 feet. Miss Kim Lilac is a nice smaller-sized lilac cultivar.
Roses
Many of the rose varietals that are grown in Colorado are not as fragrant. Austrian Copper Rose shrub variety is a great one that thrives here and has a mild perfume. These roses have yellow centers and reddish-orange outer petals. This flower’s aroma is licorice-like.
Rosemary
The lovely perennial plant rosemary has purple-blue blossoms and silver-grey foliage.
This plant grows well in full sun and can be enjoyed from spring through October. Rosemary plants have a maximum height and width of 4 feet. This herb is a wonderful addition to both food and fragrance gardens. The blooms can also be used to create essential oils.
Wisteria
Beautiful climbing wisteria comes in a variety of bloom colors, from purple and blue to white. The Chinese Wisteria and the Texas Purple Wisteria are two common cultivars in Colorado.
Wisteria is a flower that climbs and looks beautiful along garden borders and on pergolas. Heidrich’s advises allowing the plant enough space by taking into account how big it will be when it is fully grown. Give the vine something to climb on as well. Whatever you decide, it must be strong enough to support the weight and enough big to hold a growing plant. Be patient; it will take several years before you see blossoms. They only flower on new wood, though. A wind-free area is preferred by wisteria.
Hyacinth
Because they are resistant to deer and draw butterflies, hyacinths are a necessity for your scent garden. These fragrant blooms are available in a variety of hues.
Lavender
This lovely herb, which blooms from the summer through the fall, is a wonderful addition to any fragrance garden. The earthy, sweet perfume of lavender is well-known. From pink and white to purple-blue, the blooms can also be found.
Lavender makes a great companion plant since it deters deer and draws pollinators.
Sweet Alyssum
Alyssums provide your fragrance garden a wonderful splash of color and a delicate, sweet perfume. The common alyssum cultivars occur in a wide range of hues, from pure white to pink and yellow. The hue of perennial alyssums is more golden.
Alyssums bloom from spring through October and like full sun to partial shade. Your garden will attract pollinators thanks to these lovely, small flowers.
Peonies
Peonies are spring-blooming blooms that can reach heights and widths of 12 to 36 inches. They prefer full to some sun.
These scented blossoms might be pink, crimson, or white and have a crisp, delicate scent akin to a rose.
A fun fact: Ants are necessary for peonies to bloom. Don’t be alarmed if you see some ants on your peony; they are what causes the flower to open.
Daffodils
Daffodils, which bloom in April and grow 10 to 12 inches tall, are another fantastic flower that resists predators. These autumn-planted, spring-flowering bulbs like full sun to light shade.
Daffodils may give your scent garden a flash of orange, red, yellow, and even crimson. They have a nice vanilla scent that is pleasant.
Calendula
Calendula is the last essential flower to include in scent gardens. These vibrant blooms prefer full to partial sun and bloom from late spring to fall.
They have a yellow-orange hue and draw pollinators. They smell mushy and gritty.
Currant Bush
Currants are amazing deer-resistant and dual-purpose plants that are tasty. They blossom in the spring and have a pleasant scent.
Hummingbirds and bees in particular enjoy the currant bush as a source of pollen. Fruit from this shrub can be used to make wonderful jams and jellies.