It’s no surprise that lilacs are some of the most beloved blooms by many people. Add them to floral arrangements and you’ve got something happy and whimsical in an instant. Plant them in your garden and without a doubt the butterflies and the bees will invite themselves over because of lilac’s irresistibly delightful fragrance. So if you’ve ever found yourself captivated by these charming blooms, this article is for you. We’ll share a compilation of the most frequently asked questions about lilacs. Let's dive in and discover everything you've ever wanted to know about lilacs!
What Do Lilacs Symbolize?
Lilacs have many fascinating flower meanings depending on the color. For example, in the language of flowers, the light purple lilacs (the color for which it was named) are popularly known to symbolize first love or young love. On the other hand, bluish lilacs are associated with bliss and tranquility while white lilacs are connected with child-like innocence and spirituality.
Are Lilacs Poisonous to Dogs or Cats?
Unfortunately, we include lilacs in our list of flowers toxic to both dogs and cats. If pets consume any part of the plant, causes gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect that your fur baby has ingested lilacs or is showing any signs of illness after being in contact with a lilac bush or floral arrangements, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately to evaluate its condition and provide appropriate treatment.
As always, we recommend pet parents always take a proactive approach and keep potentially toxic plants and floral designs away from curious fur babies to ensure their utmost safety.
In photo: Lilac Kisses
Are Lilacs Edible?
Yes! Lilacs won’t only make dainty additions to hand bouquets but to your delicious recipes as well. A member of the olive family, lilacs are edible.
While biting the flowers straight out of the stem may not be as pleasant (actually tasting strongly bitter), Ashley from Practical Self Reliance recommends using them in infusions to create lilac sugar or lilac syrup, which are both creative ways to introduce a sweet and botanical flavor in your cocktails and baking recipes.
How Big Do Lilac Bushes Get?
Lilac bushes can vary in size depending on the specific variety, growing conditions, and how they are pruned. On average, most lilac bushes reach a mature height and width of 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.5 meters). However, there are dwarf lilac varieties available that stay smaller, reaching around 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) in height and width.
When digging a planting hole, create one that is approximately twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your lilac bush. This extra space allows for root expansion and improves soil aeration. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root penetration and nutrient uptake. Remove any weeds or grass from the area to minimize competition.
Are Lilacs Perennial?
Now, here’s something to inspire you to learn how to plant a lilac bush in your garden. Yes, lilacs are perennial plants and can live for several decades with proper care. In fact, they are known for their long lifespan and can bring beauty and fragrance to your garden year after year.
Lilacs go through a natural cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy each year. In the spring, they produce clusters of fragrant flowers in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, pink, white, and even yellow. After the blooming period, lilacs enter a period of dormancy during the colder months.
During the dormant season, the lilac bush may appear bare, losing its leaves, but it is still alive. It is important to provide proper care during this time, including protecting the plant from extreme weather conditions and maintaining good soil drainage. As perennials, most lilac varieties can be relied upon to return and bloom year after year. With regular maintenance, such as pruning and fertilizing, lilacs can continue to thrive and bring joy to your garden for a long time.
In photo: Lilac Baby
Lilac Flower Arrangements for Same-Day Delivery
Lilacs are seasonal flowers that can be hard to come by after spring-summer, so you got to enjoy them until supplies last. If you’re obsessed with lilacs and would love to have them whenever possible or for a special occasion, Orchid Republic’s got you covered! Our latest collection always has the prettiest seasonal blooms you can imagine. Whether it’s lilacs, peonies, orchids, or dahlias, you can find them in our opulent floral designs for all occasions.
Shop our signature creations online or in-store. Get same-day flower delivery anywhere in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Santa Monica.
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