Young 'Boomerang' Lilac in mid-April Garden

In most Northeast and Midwestern states, lilacs (Syringa spp.) are the classic spring-flowering shrub, treasured for their beautiful and fragrant flowers. Lilacs are vigorously growing shrubs and are utilized in the landscape as single specimens or as multiple hedging shrubs for privacy. Further south, in the warmer Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7), most lilac cultivars tend to disappoint because of low flower numbers and their susceptibility to foliar powdery mildew in late summer.

Bloomerang™ is a hybrid cross of four lilac species (Syringa patula x S. macrophylla x S. meyeri x S. juliana). It grows bushy and compact at 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Boomerang grows vigorously, fits into small garden spaces, and forms a lovely low growing hedge.

Clusters of sweet-scented flowers open deep purple that densely cover the branches in April and bloom off and on until October frost. Flower clusters fade to pink and fall without any need for deadheading.  Although the long re-blooming trait is never showy, you and your gardening friends will likely take notice.

Boomerang is best pruned immediately following spring bloom, to form a dense shrub with more branches and flowers. This lilac is deer resistant and its small dark green leafy foliage is moderately resistant to powdery mildew.

Lilacs grow in full to partial sunny locations and in a low acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH. Lilacs benefit from annual feeding containing minor nutrients such as Miracle-Gro™, Miracid™, Hollytone™ or Schultz® fertilizers. Follow package label directions.