Sensation Lilac

DESCRIPTION

The Sensation Lilac is a unique plant, and the only lilac in existence with two-tone flowers. Carried in big bunches all over the bush, they are rich purple with a white edge, making a bold statement and bringing a completely new look to lilacs, and to your garden. It grows into a medium-sized shrub between 8 and 12 feet tall, spreading into a rounded crown up to 8 feet wide, but usually less. It blooms in spring with richly perfumed blossoms that fill the garden with color and scent. No garden can be without a lilac, and this one is the best there is.

• Unique two-tone flowers of purple with a white edge
• Large flowers clusters are produced in abundance
• To-choice spring flower for cold zones
• Richly perfumed blossoms
• Easily grown, even in urban conditions

Grow the Sensation Lilac in full sun for the most abundant blossoms, although it will also tolerate some partial shade. It thrives even in cold areas, and blooms well in zone 3. It will not grow in very warm areas, as it needs significant winter cold. This bush thrives in almost any soil, including urban soils and rough ground, but whatever the soil, it should be well-drained. Richer soils will give stronger and faster growth, and watering during extended dry periods will be appreciated. It has few significant pests or diseases and some simple pruning after flowering is all the care needed.

Growing Sensation Lilac Shrubs

Full sun is the best location for the Sensation Lilac, but it will also grow in light partial shade. Too much shade will reduce flowering. It is hardy in zone 3, and a great choice for cold zones. It will grow in zone 7, but not in warmer areas, because it needs a significant period of cold weather in winter to develop the flower buds. While it may grow it will not bloom well in hot zones. It grows readily in most well-drained soils, including poor urban soil and rough ground. Enriching the soil with compost, rotted manure or other organic material will significantly increase its vigor and health and mulching every year or two with similar material will keep it growing strongly. It will grow between 12 and 24 inches each year, so in just a few years you will have a good-sized bush, with full blooming beginning no more than 2 or 3 years after planting. This plant has few significant pests or diseases, and the best way to keep it healthy is to prune it regularly so that it does not develop a lot of very old branches. As soon as flowering has ended, remove all the finished blossom heads to prevent seeding. If your bush produces seed heads flowering the following year will be reduced. Remove a few of the oldest branches at the same time, cutting them low down, just above a strong new shoot. Remove some of the branches growing from the base to avoid overcrowding, and also shorten back new stems to encourage bushier growth with more blooms. Do not trim in summer, as this will remove the flower buds for next year, which develops as soon as this year’s blooms are over.