Lilacs are pretty tough - what else can you grow at 10,000 ft?

Hi,

I don't know a thing about growing lilacs at 10000 ft BUT I was once in Leadville over the 4th of July and the lilacs were in massive bloom. I was with a friend from Boston who actually asked somebody how they got them to bloom for so long and so late. That was a good laugh.

I will say that deer love lilacs so give them some protection until they get going. I inherited several hedges of the old fashioned pale purple and every year I watch the deer standing on their back feet to get to the tastiest bits. My lilacs are so old and established that I just consider it a little effortless pruning.

Nancy

Hi Molly,

I donÂt have any experience at growing lilacs at that altitude either, but I agree with everything Nancy said! Since they bloom early in spring, theyÂll bloom early in YOUR springÂwhich is obviously a lot later than OUR spring! In some ways they might actually do better up there where theyÂre less likely to have the buds freeze because they start to bud too early during a warm spell. IÂm guessing you donÂt get too many extended warm spells!

HereÂs a link to a Fragrant Lilacs in High Altitudes site that lists several varieties that apparently do well at 10,000' (scroll down).

Also, if youÂre interested in perennials that should do well up there, hereÂs a link to the Klaus and Jane Hendrix site which lists lots of perennials that grow at or above 10,000'. Just click on one of the Rocky Mountain Wildflowers links, and then click on any of the thumbnails on the leftÂwhich will give you more info and tell you at what altitude they grow. Klaus and Jane Hendrix live at about 10,000' somewhere near Breckinridge!

And hereÂs one more link to Rocky Mountain Rare Plants where you can buy seed for some of the high altitude perennials you may wind up looking for. Ten thousand feet is pushing it, but there are definitely things you can grow up there!

Are you somewhere near Leadville?

Skybird

Sigh....

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You can do it, add much compost over a large area. Choose a cold-tolerant var. (not all can take that zone) They may sucker more in coarse soil. x hyacinthiflora 'Esther Staley' blooms later, has ~good fall color.

Dan

Thanks everybody!! :-)