The Beauty of Lilacs

I patiently wait all year for spring. Once the temperature hovers above freezing for more than two consecutive days, I know it’s only a question of time before Mother Nature starts to unveil her floral splendour.

Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are some of the first flowers to blossom. They’re also some of the most fragrant ones in existence, producing an enchanting powdery scent. They bloom for only two or three weeks each spring, making them very easy to miss. This particularity only adds to their charm. Some varieties, like the Bloomerang lilac rebloom later in the summer, but most lilac shrubs have an evanescent flowering season.

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Lilac shrubs are a favourite ornamental plant among homeowners and are often planted at the front or on the sides of homes. These shrubs can grow 12 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide. At this height, they contour homes beautifully.

In my city of Montréal, there are two neighbourhoods known for their lilacs. I enjoy walking by when they’re in bloom. In these areas, many of the shrubs are planted at the edges of the properties, allowing for strollers to walk right by the flowers and sometimes even under them when the lilacs trickle overhead and onto the sidewalk.

The plant creates heart-shaped leaves with flowers growing in lush clusters reminiscent of delicate bunches of grapes. There are over 1,000 lilac varieties. Unsurprising considering how long they’ve been around, appearing here in North America in the 17th century by way of Europe.

Various meanings have been attributed to lilacs over the centuries. Today, they generally symbolize renewal and new beginnings—the true definition of spring.

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Most lilacs come in some shade of purple with each colour carrying its own symbolism. The common colour symbolizes spirituality. Lilacs with a bluish hue symbolize happiness and tranquility, while the ones that touch on magenta signify love and passion. White lilacs represent purity and innocence.

Lilacs grow in many parts of the world, favouring areas with harsh winters: the cold helps set the bud.

These flowers inspire calm and serenity, even if only for a fleeting moment. Many cities and botanical gardens organize lilac festivals each spring. There may even be one near you. Their beauty and heady fragrance make them worth travelling for.

TEXT BY FATIMA RIZZO