Lilacs in N. New Mexico

Lilacs in Northern New Mexico

By Márta Gyeviki

Nothing is more wistful than the scent of lilac, nor more robust than its woody stalk, for we must remember that it is a tree as well as a flower, we must try not to forget this.—Stevie SmithSpringtime always brings wonders and promises of renewal: emerging leaves, flowering bulbs, and warmer days. After the still and monochromatic winter, it is exciting to see colors. Although lilacs are not the earliest bloomers, they are among the early flowering bushes and are distinctive to Santa Fe, the Taos valley, and surrounding populated areas nearby. Even though they are not native to New Mexico, nor even to the United States, lilacs are widely cultivated and have been naturalized in most of North America. When used along with native plants, they offer a good example of how useful imported plants can be in fostering a diverse landscape.Both large, sprawling common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), native to the Balkans, and the smaller, more delicate Persian lilac hybrid (Syringa x persica) were introduced to the American colonies in the 18th century. According to correspondence between gardeners and botanists in Virginia and Pennsylvania, a “fine collection” was grown in those states at that time. Historical records show that lilacs arrived in Santa Fe from France, having been brought by Bishop Lamy, who arrived here in 1851. Americans and Europeans probably brought them to Taos around 1900.Tips for Growing Lilacs SuccessfullyLilacs are very hardy and easy to grow. They reach from 5 to 15 feet tall, depending on the variety. While they thrive in fertile, well-drained, pH-neutral soil, they tolerate clay and alkaline soils, though it’s advisable to amend your soil if it is very lean. They prefer full sun but will bloom well with at least six hours of direct sunlight. The flowers attract butterflies and are good for cutting.It is recommended to apply a layer of compost around the plant each spring, followed by mulch to keep moisture in and weeds out. Irrigate weekly during the hottest months if rain is scarce.Lilacs bloom on the previous year’s wood, so it’s best to prune them immediately after they flower. First remove any dead wood, then cut back at most one third of the oldest canes to the ground. You can also remove skimpy new shoots at this time, though it’s a good idea to leave some of the stronger shoots to fill in the plant. Deadhead the flowers after they fade (before they go to seed) to encourage a robust bloom the following year.Recommended Cultivars for Northern New MexicoSyringa vulgaris‘Charles Joly’ (wine red)Syringa vulgaris‘Ludwig Spaeth’ (reddish-purple)Syringa vulgaris‘Mme. Lemoine’ (double white)Syringa x persica(lavender-purple)Syringa meyeri‘Palibin’ (dwarf species with light lavender-pink flowers)References:Farmer’s Almanac, Growing LilacsLeighton, Ann. American Gardens in the Eighteenth Century(Houghton Mifflin, 1976)Rushforth, Keith. Trees of Britain and Europe(Collins Wild Guide, 1999)Salman, David. Private communication (2019)Simmons, Marc. “Bishop Lamy’s Garden”(SFAOL.com)Taos Lilac Festival