On this same subject, perhaps ya'll can help me identify the lilac in my parent's yard: it is fully double, with a blue-lilac (somewhat pale) blossom, and the MOST intense fragrance! I stumbled on what I though was the name, once (Katherine something??) but have forgotten what I thought I learned. :-)

Katherine Havemeyer ;)

Crazy Gardener your comments about double French lilacs never came through??

+++Katherine Havemeyer ;) +++

BINGO! Thank you! :-)

Most lilac varieties will thrive in zone 5, so your choice will be more dependent on what color you want. There are white, pink, blue, purple, red, and even yellow varieties to choose from! Here is a link to a website that has some pictures of lilac varieties. I have several varieties, and the only one that I've been disappointed with is the Sensation lilac- it has pretty blooms, but no fragrance, which is why I grow lilacs. I suppose if someone is sensitive to the fragrance, it would be a good one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lilac Website

Beauty of Moscow is incredible. Deep pink buds open to white double flowers with incredible fragrance and long staying power, they still look great even after most white flowered types start to turn brown. Even after 16 years, it has never spread beyond 3 feet at the base in my garden.

I love lilacs, I grow several varieties, and if I could only choose one, Beauty of Moscow would be the one, hands down.

Not opinionated,

Kate

I know this is an older post but I am looking into getting one of these. I have only seen it in a catalogue and am close to ordering it if my garden center can't get it... only 10"! That's torture!
My question is... can it be in light shade? It will get a few hours of direct sun and then some shade. The catalog says sun or shade. I thought lilacs needed sun.
I am also zone 5.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanx.