Japanese tree lilac - Syringa reticulata

[Tucson Grower]

I think I'll plant a row of these, Japanese tree lilac, across the front of my mother's place in Marana, AZ. Lilac were always her favorite flower. 50 seeds for less than $8.

[heavyhitterokra]

Thanks for posting that photo. My Uncle Jeff used to grow purple and white lilacs along the entire fence from the end of the dirt road, up the lane leading to his house. I haven't seen any of those in a long time.

[chrysanthemum]

That is a beautiful photo. I tried to post something last night but must not have hit the right button. It was basically the same message as above, except is was my mom who had purple and white lilacs around the yard in Virginia. They were one of my favorite flowers in spring.

I looked into growing lilacs here in Texas when we moved here. I don’t know if it’s the heat, aridity, or alkalinity, but I remember reading that they just don’t do well. I decided not to give them a try. With one hundred seeds, though, you’ve got a lot of potential there.

[Tucson Grower]

I misspoke the # of seeds, only 50, but this is the largest growing species of lilac and grows from eastern Russia down to northern Japan. A typical lavender lilac survived in her front yard for more than 30 years. It didn't flower very well, but it did have a few clusters of flowers every year. Hopefully these will do better - at least worth a try.

[john]

The picture that is posted above is actually a white flowered common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) The tree lilac flower is also very beautiful but it has a slightly different shaped flower and it's leaves are also different from that of the common lilac.
extension.umass.edu/plant-identification/japanese-tree-lilac

The most remarkable thing about them is that they are noticeably fragrant. You will smell one from a good deal of distance. I am not sure how they will perform for you in your hot climate. It says zone 3-7, but those are just loose guidelines not set in stone for sure.

[Tucson Grower]

john, Thank you. I appreciate the info.

[Tucson Grower]

Okay, after soaking overnight in a solution of 3 different brands of garden inoculants, mixed together - I planted 6 of these.

[Tucson Grower]

Update: No germination from the six I planted, so far. I think I'll try another batch, but after presoaking I'll refrigerate for a month, before sowing.