Yoboseyo! (That means “hello” in Korean). When you think of Lilacs you probably think of the good ol’ Lilacs in your grandma’s garden — not Korea. But Miss Kim Lilac was actually obtained from seed collected in Korea’s Pouk Han Mountains in 1947 by a professor named E. M. Meader. Upon his return to the United States, he germinated the seed and selected a seedling that was free of mildew all summer and the foliage turned burgundy in fall. He named the seedling Miss Kim — Kim being the most common name in Korea. Plant history is quite interesting, isn’t it?
Some more interesting facts about Lilacs in general is that they are actually part of the Olive family and native to Europe and Asia. The genus Syringa is derived from “syrinx” meaning “hollow tube or pipe” and refers to the hollow stems of younger shoots in some species.
Miss Kim Lilacs develop purple buds that open to icy-blue flowers in spring. These beautiful blooms are very fragrant. It flowers best in full sun, but will also flower in part shade. Miss Kim has no major insect or disease problems and is hardy to Zone 3. When it comes to pruning — do so after flowering. Keep in mind that deadheading will encourage flowering. Fertilize in late fall or early spring to supply your Miss Kim Lilac with essential nutrients to promote healthy growth and flowers. Lilacs are a wonderful (and fragrant) addition to any garden and work well as foundation plants. Annyonghi kaseyo! (That means “goodbye”).
Partner Plants: Viburnum, Butterfly Bush, Sweetspire
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