Preston Lilac Syringa × prestoniae 'Elinor'
ABOUT
'Elinor' is a cultivar belonging to the Preston Lilac group, known for their aromatic flowers. The plant showcases lush, green foliage that forms a backdrop for the showy flower panicles. Its leaves are heart-shaped with a smooth margin, offering a classic lilac leaf appearance. The plant is renowned for its fragrant blooms, which typically blossom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are arranged in large, conical clusters, known for their delightful scent and traditionally lilac hue. Each individual floret within the cluster has a tubular base that opens into a four-lobed corolla, giving it a delicate and slightly ruffled look. The blossoms are attractive to butterflies and bees, adding to the plant's charm as both a visual and ecological asset in a garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Oleaceae
Synonyms
Preston Lilac, Elinor Preston Lilac
Common names
Syringa × prestoniae 'Elinor'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Syringa × prestoniae 'Elinor', commonly known as Preston Lilac, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, all parts of lilacs, including this variety, contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of such mild poisoning could include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to teach children not to eat any part of ornamental plants due to potential risks. Moreover, individuals with specific plant allergies might react adversely upon handling or ingesting the plant.
To pets
Preston Lilac is generally not considered highly toxic to pets either, such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, as with humans, the consumption of large quantities of this plant might result in gastrointestinal upset for pets, possibly leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is always a good practice to prevent pets from consuming garden plants or plant material to avoid any potential health issues. If a pet does consume Preston Lilac and exhibits signs of distress, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Provides aesthetic value to gardens with its attractive blooms and structure.
- Pleasant Fragrance: Offers a delightful scent when in bloom, enhancing the sensory experience of a garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, shows resilience in dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Cold Hardiness: Capable of withstanding colder climates, making it suitable for a range of landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care, ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create a natural privacy barrier when planted in groups.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds color and texture to gardens across multiple seasons, with foliage and blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Syringa × prestoniae 'Elinor', commonly known as Preston Lilac, can be utilized in floral arrangements due to their attractive and fragrant flowers, adding both visual appeal and a pleasant scent to indoor settings.
- The wood of the Preston Lilac, while not commonly used, can be crafted into small wooden objects such as turned bowls or decorative items, capitalizing on its fine grain when available.
- Preston Lilacs can serve as a natural dye source, with the flowers producing varying shades of green or yellow when used to dye fabrics or yarns.
- These plants can be used in educational settings to teach botanical principles such as hybridization and cultivation techniques used in ornamental horticulture.
- The Preston Lilac is often incorporated into wildlife gardens, as it provides nectar for pollinators like butterflies and bees, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- When planted in a row, Preston Lilacs can act as a windbreak, reducing wind speed and erosion in exposed areas while also adding aesthetic value to the landscape.
- In artistic contexts, Preston Lilac can inspire artwork, with its flowers and overall structure serving as subjects for painting, photography, or even sculptures.
- Due to its sturdy branches, the Preston Lilac bush can be used in the construction of small garden structures like trellises or plant supports after pruning.
- They can be included in sensory gardens, where their strong fragrance adds an olfactory component designed to stimulate the sense of smell for visitors.
- Lastly, the dried petals of Preston Lilac can be used for potpourri, adding a soft, long-lasting fragrance to a room when placed in decorative bowls or sachets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Preston Lilac is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Preston Lilac is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: As a spring-blooming plant, Syringa × prestoniae 'Elinor', commonly known as Preston lilac 'Elinor', symbolizes the renewal that comes with the changing seasons.
- Innocence: The delicate flowers of the Preston lilac 'Elinor' are often associated with the innocence and purity of youth.
- First Emotions of Love: Given the lilac's tender, early bloom, they're frequently emblematic of young love or the first emotions of love experienced by someone.
- Spirituality: The serene beauty of the lilac can evoke a sense of spirituality or a reminder of a peaceful state of being.
- Beauty: The attractive bloom and fragrance of Preston lilac 'Elinor' are reminiscent of the beauty of nature.
WaterPreston Lilacs need regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water deeply once a week with about one to two gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions. Increase frequency during periods of extreme heat or drought to twice a week, ensuring the water penetrates deeply into the soil to reach the roots. During winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant, but do not let the soil completely dry out. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid over-saturation.
LightPreston Lilacs thrive in full sun conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming. Place the plant in a location where it can receive unobstructed sunlight during the majority of the day. Partial shade is tolerated but may result in fewer blooms and a less robust plant.
TemperaturePreston Lilacs prefer a temperate climate and are hardy in a range between -30°F and 95°F. However, for ideal growth conditions, aim to maintain a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. They are cold-hardy and can withstand winter freezes, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 95°F can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Preston Lilacs to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased wood, and promote vigorous growth. The best time to prune is immediately after the flowers have faded in late spring. Limit pruning to once a year, as excessive cutting can reduce the plant's ability to bloom the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPreston Lilac 'Elinor' prefers well-draining soil with an abundance of organic matter, a loamy texture, and a slightly alkaline to neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingPreston Lilacs, being large shrubs, are not typically repotted as they are usually planted directly in the ground where they can flourish for many years without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingPreston Lilacs are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions, thriving in the ambient outdoor moisture found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growing due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space adequately.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Preston Lilac 'Elinor' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in well-draining soil, typically in late spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a healthy root system and foliage throughout its first growing season. As the plant matures, it will go through a vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems vigorously, usually over several years, before reaching maturity. The mature Preston Lilac then enters its reproductive stage, producing fragrant purple flowers usually in late spring or early summer, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed capsules, eventually releasing seeds to start the next generation. The plant enters a period of dormancy in winter, conserving energy and suspending growth until warmer temperatures return in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Syringa × prestoniae 'Elinor', commonly known as Preston Lilac, is often propagated through softwood cuttings. This technique is undertaken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still soft and flexible. To propagate through softwood cuttings, a gardener would typically cut a 4 to 6-inch-long (10 to 15 cm) piece of stem from the current year's growth, making sure that there are at least two to three sets of leaves. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed. This process usually takes several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into the garden.
