Known as Californian lilacs as they look like lilacs when in flowers usually blue, occasionally pink or white. There are both deciduous and evergreen varieties and come in all different shapes and sizes from a small spreading plant up to a small tree.
Soil Type: Most fertile free draining soils and are lime tolerant except shallow chalk soils. Position: Most species are frost hardy. Prefers sun but will grow in partial shade. In cold situations best grown by or on a south or south-west facing wall. Ideal around seaside gardens. Maintenance: Evergreen's need very little pruning, but if any is needed this should be carried out immediately after flowering. Deciduous species may have the lateral branches cut back withing 8-10 cm (3-4ins) of last year's growth.
AGM = The Royal Horticultural Society's Award of General Merit given to plants of outstanding excellence.
