Maiden's Blush Lilac

Size

Sometimes a purple Lilac is not the right plant. Maidens Blush is a great color alternative that has all of the same qualities of old fashioned Lilac. The color is a delicate, but stunningly different pale pink that is born on large flower spikes above dense green foliage about one week earlier than other Lilac varieties. The scent will attract beneficial pollinators and hummingbirds galore. The flowers last for days in a vase. The exceptional cold hardiness of Maiden's Blush is a real asset. It will racefully shrug off snow and ice to reveal gorgeous blooms early in May. Gardeners in the hotter zones may notice a slowing of blooming in some springs. This is usually due to a winter that was too warm for the Lilac. They do need a certain number of hours below 45 degrees in order to set flower buds well. Also the timing of pruning can upset the next years blooming. The rule of thumb for Lilacs is to prune only after blooming has ended. Maiden's Blush Lilac Care Lilacs can be grown in full sun to partially shaded spots. The pH they prefer is on the alkaline side, from 6.5-8.9. Well-drained, moist soil is key to getting Lilac to establish successfully. Watering with a soaker hose or drip irrigation keeps the leaves from getting damp. Lilacs are very susceptible to fungal diseases and molds which can be spread by overhead watering. Mulching with organic compost or leaves in the fall will help bulk the soil up and make it more moisture-retentive which will result in less extra irrigation over time. Fertilizing Lilacs is important. These are some hungry shrubs and really appreciate a well balanced, slow release fertilizer early in the spring as the first leaves emerge. Light pruning of any dead, diseased, dying or diagonal branches can also be done early in the spring. All flowers bud on old growth, so save any hard or regenerative pruning for the early summer after blooming has ended. Maiden's Blush Lilac Spacing Lilacs make fabulous, fragrant hedges. Maiden's Blush would as well. The unusual pink color would really be a conversation starter with neighbors. The mature height will be 12-15 feet and the width will be 8-10 feet. A very large shrub, even by Lilac standards. Make sure to get the spacing correct early on, Lilacs do not usually like to be moved. Spacing shrubs 9 feet on center will ensure enough air circulation to keep the Lilacs happy and disease free.