I think they just keep them really trimmed. I sure if you look hard enough someone is advertising a "dwarf" lilac, but I would not count on it being a true dwarf. The problem with trimming is that you tend to lose the flower buds, but if you trim shortly after bloom, I don't think it would be a problem, if you must have a smaller lilac.

Billie

I think that "Miss Kim" is what you may be seeing around town. They're supposed to be on the smaller side. I have two in my yard that are just coming into bloom. They are about 3 feet and I've had them about 5 years.

Connie

The Korean lilacs are referred to as "dwarf" lilacs, and are definitely naturally much smaller than the common lilacs. And, as Connie says, 'Miss Kim' is probably what you're seeing, and is probably the best all around smaller lilac--and I believe one of the smallest, tho I'm not positive about that. When I was working with this stuff I always loved the 'Miss Kim' when one would be blooming in a pot, and wished I had somewhere to plant one!

Check the link below, and here are a couple more that I don't have time to live link. If you're looking at some of the other varieties, be sure to check out how much they spread/sucker before you buy anything so you don't get any surprises! I believe 'Miss Kim' pretty much stays put---again, not positive.

http://www.aboutlilacs.com/dwarf_korean_lilac.shtml

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2126/dwarf-korean-lilac.php

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2132/miss-kim-korean-lilac.php

Gotta go,
Skybird

Here is a link that might be useful: 'Miss Kim' Korean Lilac

Mee three: 'Miss Kim'. Ours are just getting going.

Dan

Around here a lot of the landscape shops trim shrubs like lilacs and forsythia into short round balls. They look very silly but they still bloom!

Thank everyone I don't really have a place for one right now. Just wondering. But sure love the look and the smell!!