This Lilac came from a box store clearance wrack, and was labeled "old fashioned Lilac", but I could tell right off that it wasn't your typical vulgaris. The leaves are quite a bit smaller than vulgaris, and so are the stems. The stems are twiggy, and it doesn't seem prone to sucker. It produces blooms not only were the stems terminate, but from side buds as well. It's not prone to mildew either. The bloom panicles aren't as big as vulgaris types, but the individual blooms are larger. It has a light, sweet fragrance, but it's not the typical Lilac fragrance. Any idea what it is?

When does it bloom compared to vulgaris?

It blooms at about the same time as vulgaris. Does it look familiar to you? I've never seen another like it before.

I haven't either. The leaves are shaped like vulgaris. Most of the lilacs that have the small panicles, like meyeri and julianae have more rounded leaves. Plus the flower looks like a vulgaris or even more like a hyacintiflora. I'm stumped.

Are you familiar with Syringa x persica? Some of the images I've found on line look like a possible match. The leaves are shaped like vulgaris, just smaller. Everything this site says seems to match except they say its extremely susceptible to mildew, which sure hasn't been the case with this one.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/...

I bet that's it, Neal! Look at this pic, looks just like it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F...

I have syringa persica, and didn't even think about it. Hey, I've got the flu. I think the persian lilac was what the lilac perfume was made from originally. I think the smell is a little spicier than the vulgaris.

I think that is it! That does look just like it, you can even see the narrow, twiggy stems in that pic, and can tell the leaf size too. It's very free flowering, which is my favorite thing about it.

So sorry to hear you've got the flu! Take care of yourself, and don't try to over do it.

Thanks so much!

Here's some more info about it. I think that's it. Good detective job, Neal!

http://www.zimbio.com/Lilac+Mo...

That article confirms it I think. It has never set seed, and they do address the graceful aspect, which sounds so much better than twiggy, LOL. I has remained at about 4' tall, but has gotten wider, which sounds right on. Mine is in partial shade, and blooms its heart out, another thing they mentioned. Now, sounds like I need to figure out how to propagate this apparent gem! You, our resident Lilac Queen, must have one! I believe I will try layering it.

It does sound like a gem. Thanks, Neal.

When I first read your discription I thought of the Korean dwarf lilac Kim. I have 2 of those. I don't think they will ever reach 4' in height.

My dwarf Kims are about 8' tall, LOL. Some dwarf. I sure love them, though.