Every year it happens in the same way: as soon as the buds come out, I wonder why I originally envisioned them to be so much bigger than they appeared. It’s only with the lilacs, which makes it initially the most disappointing. My mind recalls the bodacious bouquets of my childhood, when the blooms filled and spilled out of their vases to perfume whatever lucky room got to show them off.
As is sometimes the case, I jump the gun in judgment and in disappointment. I always forget how much those buds fill out once they burst into bloom, the way a bunch of balloons becomes something glorious from a paltry pile of rubber.
With these Korean lilacs – smaller of stature but just as potent of scent – the buds are even smaller, but manage to blossom into something full and eye-catching. But don’t take my prose for it, see for yourself.
Of course, these are slightly airier than their American counterparts, which truly fill out into a solid pom-pom of bloom. I like the delicate display here, however, especially at a time of the year when everything is shouting to be noticed.
These flowers only shout with their perfume, and it’s a delicious noise at that.
It is less sharp than the American version, and not so instantly detectable. It’s sweeter in other ways too, particularly when it deigns to re-bloom nearer the fall – something that is an occasional surprise at a time of the year when it’s most needed.
The form and structure of these shrubs are more manageable and neat than the usual lilacs we have here, and they are ferociously resistant to the mildew that creeps into the American hybrids, making them quite useful in the landscape.
Though they are just finishing up, they’ve lasted for a decent time. Some years their show is hastened by hot weather. There are benefits to when the spring cools down and pauses.
