16 varieties available at Lombard Garden Club’s Lilac Sale

The area’s largest lilac sale in Lombard, the Lilac Village, will be held on Thursday, May 7, from noon until sold out.

You may choose from 16 different bush lilacs and two lilac trees of varying sizes. Colors of the blooms range from deep violet, magenta and lilac to pink, blue and white.

Proceeds support the Lombard Garden Club’s scholarship program, community beautification projects and educational outreach about the environment and gardening in our region.

A popular selection since it was introduced in 1916 is President Lincoln ( Syringa vulgaris), one of 16 cultivars available at the annual sale.

Named for Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th president of the U.S.A., this tall, leafy grower blooms with large Wedgewood blue trusses. Pinkish buds open to tubular flowers that burst into large, dense conical-shaped clusters with a captivating fragrance. Fast growing, it reaches a height of 8 to10 feet and a width of 10 feet. Bred in the United States, this mildew-resistant French hybrid is a good grower that produces basal shoots readily adding to the density of the plant.

Another highlight is Palibin (Syringa meyen). This dwarf variety has an excellent uniform habit and deep reddish-purple buds that open to fragrant single, pinkish-lavender flowers. It is a mid-season bloomer with a height of 4 to 5 feet.

You may view color photos of the lilacs, at lombardgardenclub.org. The one-day sale takes place on Thursday, May 7 in Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. in downtown Lombard near the Metra train station.