Few plants or shrubs convey a sense of home like the lilac (syringa). Anyone who has experienced its fragrant blooms and gracefully bending branches will hold the memory in a special place in the heart. Lilacs are rarely seen on oceanfront properties, but go inland a few blocks where older and settled gardens thrive and prepare to be delighted.
Cultivating the lilac with the mild Northwest coast temperature range requires a bit of patience, and some lime to amend the generally acidic soil. The lilac loves a good winter freeze and bright summer sun, so keep that in mind when choosing a location. Lilacs can grow up to 20 feet in height and live over 100 years, so plant a variety that will fit your space for the long term. The variety "Miss Kim" grows to a manageable six to seven feet and is a popular choice in the area.
Give your lilac time to get settled and expect it to be two to six years before being rewarded with full blooms. Clip off the spent blooms right away to ensure healthy flowers next spring. For a lovely bouquet in a vase, strip the lower leaves from the cut branches, then bruise the woody stems and place in warm water first. This allows more water to be absorbed quickly and the blooms to stay fresh longer.
Lilacs in the Summer
Published: 06/08/2009 Updated: 08/14/2019

"...the perfume strong I love."
- Walt Whitman
Veronica Russell
Lilacs lure us with their fragrance and beauty, making them difficult to resist. With a little love and patience, lilacs can thrive in our mild Northwest gardens.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Cannon Beach Home & Garden
Contemporary painting & sculpture. Authentic works of distinction.
Cannon Beach Home & Garden
Coaster Construction has been helping to shape the character of the north Oregon coast since 1973.
Published: 06/08/2009 Updated: 08/14/2019

"...the perfume strong I love."
- Walt Whitman
Veronica Russell
Lilacs lure us with their fragrance and beauty, making them difficult to resist. With a little love and patience, lilacs can thrive in our mild Northwest gardens.
Few plants or shrubs convey a sense of home like the lilac (syringa). Anyone who has experienced its fragrant blooms and gracefully bending branches will hold the memory in a special place in the heart. Lilacs are rarely seen on oceanfront properties, but go inland a few blocks where older and settled gardens thrive and prepare to be delighted.
Cultivating the lilac with the mild Northwest coast temperature range requires a bit of patience, and some lime to amend the generally acidic soil. The lilac loves a good winter freeze and bright summer sun, so keep that in mind when choosing a location. Lilacs can grow up to 20 feet in height and live over 100 years, so plant a variety that will fit your space for the long term. The variety "Miss Kim" grows to a manageable six to seven feet and is a popular choice in the area.
Give your lilac time to get settled and expect it to be two to six years before being rewarded with full blooms. Clip off the spent blooms right away to ensure healthy flowers next spring. For a lovely bouquet in a vase, strip the lower leaves from the cut branches, then bruise the woody stems and place in warm water first. This allows more water to be absorbed quickly and the blooms to stay fresh longer.
Cultivating the lilac with the mild Northwest coast temperature range requires a bit of patience, and some lime to amend the generally acidic soil. The lilac loves a good winter freeze and bright summer sun, so keep that in mind when choosing a location. Lilacs can grow up to 20 feet in height and live over 100 years, so plant a variety that will fit your space for the long term. The variety "Miss Kim" grows to a manageable six to seven feet and is a popular choice in the area.
Give your lilac time to get settled and expect it to be two to six years before being rewarded with full blooms. Clip off the spent blooms right away to ensure healthy flowers next spring. For a lovely bouquet in a vase, strip the lower leaves from the cut branches, then bruise the woody stems and place in warm water first. This allows more water to be absorbed quickly and the blooms to stay fresh longer.
From the beach, to downtown attractions and activities all around town, you will find unforgettable fun the entire family will love in Seaside, Oregon... [read more]
If you've been mining the central coast in search of an easy-access beach that will accommodate the entire family, this well-loved 135-acre park may... [read more]
In the late 1800s Scandinavian immigrants started arriving in Astoria, Oregon to find work in the booming fishing and logging industries. The town soon... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Cannon Beach Home & Garden
Coaster Construction has been helping to shape the character of the north Oregon coast since 1973.
Cannon Beach Home & Garden
Contemporary painting & sculpture. Authentic works of distinction.
Lincoln City Activities & Attractions
Classes in a variety of mediums, gallery exhibits, musical performances, theater and festivals.