Hello everyone, This is my first post on this forum! I want to plant a lilac hedge along the edge of my backyard which faces south, in Gatineau Quebec Canada (zone 5a). I want my hedge to grow to a maximum of 4 to 5 feet tall. It shouldn't be super thick either, maybe 2 to 2.5 feet would do it. I don't really care what colour - purple is nice but really all lilac colours are nice anyway. I know I like lilacs and they grow well around here but I don't know what type of lilac would be best for my objectives. I understand there are many types of lilacs, and they grow to different heights and have different characteristics - some being better for hedges of the height I want. Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks Kim
Maybe one of the new Bailey nursery introductions originating with a hybridizer in Wyoming - if these are on the market anywhere in Canada (looks like they may not be) and able to do well under eastern climate and soil conditions (there have been some remarks elsewhere about them being touchy about damp soil). A example prevalent in outlets here at the moment is 'Bailbelle'. If not one of these new hybrids then maybe you can get hold of and try 'Miss Kim' instead.
I was going to say Dwarf Korean Lilac, Syringia meyeri, which is the species behind Bailbelle (also called Tinkerbelle). Palibin is anonther variety. Miss Kim is similar, but a different species. They grow a bit fuller than what you want, but you just need to do a bit of pruning, which you will have to anyway with a hedge. My observations are that these types flower later, and the flowers are much shorter lived than the standard common lilac, but they are much more densly flowered, and they flower right to the ground, rather than only on the upper portions. I have a S. meyeri and LOVE it! Ask for any of these at your local garden centre, and they should have them.
