First published in 1988 by award-winning American hybridizer Reverend John Fiala, this unique reference quickly became known worldwide as the lilac lovers' bible. The latest revision combines Fiala's passion for lilacs with the expertise of Canadian plantsman Freek Vrugtman, the international lilac registrar.

The new book provides up-to-date information on the 21 known lilac species and 10 natural hybrids, as well as hundreds of the 2000 named cultivars. Five hundred color photos have been added, including some which show the newest introductions from Russia and Poland. The text addresses practical concerns of selecting, growing, propagating, and using lilacs in the landscape, alone or with companion plants. It also provides fascinating details of the history, origin, and discovery of the species and of the people behind the development of the cultivars. A new chapter on lilacs in art and crafts and an updated list of places where lilacs can be viewed and celebrated complete this rich resource.

Packed with 580 gorgeous color photographs, most of them previously unpublished, Lilacs: A Gardener's Encyclopedia tells the story of a classic spring-flowering shrub cherished for its reliable masses of colorful flowers and sweet fragrance.

A new and up-to-date edition of the classic reference First published in 1988 by award-winning American hybridizer Reverend John Fiala, this unique reference quickly became known worldwide as the lilac lover's bible. The latest revision combines Fiala's passion for lilacs with the expertise of Freek Vrugtman, the International Lilac Registrar. The new book provides up-to-date information on the 21 known lilac species and 10 natural hybrids, as well as hundreds of named cultivars. Five hundred new color photos have been added, including some which show the newest introductions from Russia and Poland. The text addresses practical concerns of selecting, growing, propagating, and using lilacs in the landscape. Packed with nearly six hundred color photographs, Lilacs: A Gardener's Encyclopedia tells the story of a classic fragrant shrub cherished for its reliable masses of colorful flowers.

Chapter 1:    Taxonomy and Technical Considerations of Lilac Species
Chapter 2:    Lilac Species from Europe
Chapter 3:    Lilac Species from Asia
Chapter 4:    Color in Lilacs
Chapter 5:    Landscaping with Lilacs
Chapter 6:    Companion Plants to Lilacs
Chapter 7:    Lilac Culture
Chapter 8:    Lilac Diseases, Pests, and Problems
Chapter 9:    The Propagation of Lilacs
Chapter 10:   The Lilac Hybridizers of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Chapter 11:   The Lilac in Art and Design




“Vrugtman has succeeded in beautifully updating an essential volume. There are important changes in classifications listed in the new version, and it is a must-have. . . The pictures themselves are so gorgeous they conjure up the exquisite aroma.”

“One test of a good book is that it inspires, and this one has certainly persuaded me to plant more lilacs.”

“Fiala will forever be linked to American lilacs, and his book is an essential legacy for anyone who loves these shrubs.”

John L. Fiala (1924–1990) introduced 78 lilac cultivars, wrote a definitive encyclopedia on lilacs, and founded the International Lilac Society. He significantly improved the color and performance of these plants. For his hybridizing achievements he was awarded the Thomas Roland Medal in 1980 by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

Publisher: Timber Press
Distributor: Workman Publishing Company
Publication Date: 08-15-2008
Pages: 416
Measurements: 11.24in X 8.78in X 1.26in X 3.94lb