The Marvel of Reblooming Lilacs

Ah, the lilac! With its intoxicating fragrance and stunning clusters of blossoms, it’s no wonder gardeners have cherished this plant for centuries. But wait, what if I told you there’s an even more magical twist to this beloved shrub? Enter the world of reblooming lilacs—yes, you heard right! These remarkable varieties don’t just delight you with a single bloom; they put on a show multiple times throughout the season. Let’s dive into the enchanting realm of reblooming lilacs, uncover the science behind their creation, and introduce you to the stars of this horticultural wonder: the Bloomerang and Josee varieties.

Traditional lilacs typically grace our gardens with their fragrant blooms once in the spring. But gardeners and plant breeders, ever the dreamers, wondered if it was possible to coax lilacs into an encore performance. The quest for reblooming lilacs began with this tantalizing question. Through the marvels of modern plant breeding, this dream has become a reality.

Reblooming lilacs are a product of careful breeding and selection. Plant breeders crossed traditional spring-blooming lilacs with other species known for their ability to bloom more than once a year. This process involved meticulous hybridization, where breeders selected parent plants that showed promise for extended bloom times.

The magic lies in the genetic makeup of these special lilacs. By combining traits from various species, breeders were able to create hybrids with a prolonged flowering period. These hybrids have a genetic predisposition to initiate flower buds not just in the spring, but also in the summer and fall. The result? A lilac that doesn’t know when to quit blooming!

Among the reblooming lilacs, two varieties have proven true to the reblooming saga and captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide: the Bloomerang and Josee lilacs.

Bloomerang Lilac: True to its name, the Bloomerang lilac offers a spectacular reblooming performance. After its initial spring bloom, it takes a short break before bursting into bloom again in mid-summer, continuing well into the fall. Imagine enjoying those classic lilac blossoms and their sweet fragrance from May through October!

Josee Lilac: Not to be outdone, the Josee lilac is another top performer in the reblooming category. This compact beauty is perfect for smaller gardens or even containers. It begins its show in the spring, then reliably blooms again in mid-summer and continues sporadically until frost. The Josee lilac’s lavender-pink flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding even more life to your garden.

Here’s the secret to a garden that keeps blooming: mix reblooming lilacs with traditional lilac varieties. By planting a combination, you can extend and vary your bloom season, ensuring a continuous display of lilac blossoms from early spring through fall. Imagine the delight of having early-blooming traditional lilacs heralding the arrival of spring, followed by the reblooming varieties taking over to keep the show going!

Ready to add some reblooming magic to your garden? Here are a few tips to help your lilacs thrive and keep the blooms coming:

1. Sunlight: Like all lilacs, reblooming varieties need plenty of sunlight. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure robust blooming.

 2. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Lilacs don’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions, so make sure your planting site has good drainage. 

3. Pruning: Pruning is key to encouraging reblooming. After the first bloom in spring, lightly prune your lilac to promote new growth, which will carry the next wave of flowers. Be careful not to prune too late in the season, as this can remove the developing flower buds for the next bloom cycle. 

4. Feeding: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can give your lilacs the nutrients they need for a strong start. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.

Reblooming lilacs are a testament to the magic that happens when nature and human ingenuity come together. With their extended blooming period, they offer a prolonged season of beauty and fragrance that can transform any garden into a paradise. Whether you choose the reliable Bloomerang or the charming Josee, these lilacs promise to keep you enchanted all season long. And remember, pairing them with traditional lilac varieties will give you a garden that bursts with lilac blooms from spring through fall.

Happy gardening, and may your lilac dreams come true!