Lilac (Syringa  × hyacinthiflora 'Mount Baker') sih-RIN-gah ex hy-ah-sin-thih-FLOOR-ah Genus:  Syringa

This early flowering hybrid produces fragrant, single white flowers. It forms a shrub 8 feet high by 10 feet wide, and exhibits autumn coloring. This hybrid and its offspring show some disease resistance.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Fragrant, early flowers; purplish fall color; disease resistant.

Care: 

Grow in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Promptly deadhead spent blossoms to produce more robust blooms for the following year. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy framework, remembering that most species form flowers the previous season. Plant in areas with good air circulation to thwart disease. Most lilacs require a period of chilling dormancy.

Propagation: 

Take softwood cuttings or layer in early summer; graft in winter; bud in summer

Problems: 

Powdery mildew, dieback, leafroll virus, mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO), root knot nematode, Verticillium wilt, witches' broom, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, borers, scale, caterpillars.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Roadside, Screening Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs