Lilacs of the week

Beauty of Moscow is known for its pinkish lilac buds that open to a very pale lavender tint on white. The density of its double flowers makes it a stunning midseason bloomer. It grows to a height of 10 to 12 feet and width of 8 feet. Registered with the International Lilac Society as Syringa vulgaris "Krasavitsa Moskvy," it was originated by Leonid A. Koleskikov, a self-taught breeder who introduced the world to the "Russian lilac."

In addition, Miss Ellen Willmott, Syrina vulgaris, is a striking, well-behaved French hybrid lilac. In midseason its stunning double white florets create thryses that are twice the size of most other white lilacs. A striking specimen for a garden, it grows up to 10 feet high and 10 feet wide, blooming midseason. Cultivated by famed Lemoine Nursery more than 100 years ago, it was named for British horticulturalist Ellen Ann Willmott.

These two lilacs are among a large selection of cultivars available now in the online Lombard Garden Club Lilac Sale with pickup Sept. 10-12 in Lilacia Park. Find the catalog at www.lombardgardenclub.org.