Expert: C.L. Fornari - 1/28/2010

Question
Dear Mr. Fornari,

With general warming trends and changes in weather patterns, do you know when in the year lilac bushes are blooming in the latitude of Indianapolis, IN?

Answer
Liza,
Lilacs usually bloom in May, but pinpointing it more than that is difficult. Even if global temps are rising, seasonal temperatures still fluctuate, so it's very possible to have a long, cold winter one year and a warmer, shorter season the next. If the spring is early and warm, the lilacs will bloom sooner, and if it's a cool or very cloudy spring they will bloom later in the month.

For this reason I advise people not to plan important events such as weddings or garden tours around the flowering of a shrub or perennial plant.  (Don't know if this is why you ask, but it's a common question.)

all the best,
C.L.

www.wholelifegardening.com