Scentara Double Blue Lilac is a standout spring-blooming shrub known for its intensely fragrant, double-petaled blooms in soft lavender-blue tones. This hybrid lilac not only offers beautiful early-season color but also fills the garden with that classic lilac scent that signals spring has truly arrived.
A member of the hyacinthiflora lilac group, Scentara Double Blue blooms earlier than common lilacs and produces full, double flowers that give it a more lush and layered appearance. The soft bluish-purple blossoms are packed with petals and look almost like miniature roses, making it a beautiful choice for borders, foundations, and cutting gardens.
Native to hybrid parentage with strong genetics, this lilac was bred for cold hardiness and disease resistance, making it ideal for Southeastern Wisconsin’s climate. It thrives in USDA zones 2–8, which means it handles our long winters with ease and is one of the most reliable early bloomers come April or May.
Scentara Double Blue Lilac grows to about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded, upright shrub. It prefers full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-drained soil. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant, though watering during dry spells will help encourage healthy growth and more blooms. It’s also deer-resistant and attracts bees and butterflies in the spring — a great bonus for pollinator gardens.
One of the best things about this lilac is its fragrance. The scent is strong and sweet, just like the lilacs many of us remember from childhood gardens. Planted near patios, porches, or open windows, it offers a burst of nostalgia every time you catch the breeze.
Scentara Double Blue is easy to care for. You’ll want to prune it right after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage good blooming the following year. Avoid pruning in fall or early spring, as that will remove next season’s flower buds. A little compost or slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help support healthy blooms, but lilacs are generally low-maintenance once they’re established.
In the landscape, this lilac works well as a single focal point or planted in groups for a beautiful flowering hedge. It pairs nicely with other spring bloomers like tulips, daffodils, and creeping phlox. Its blooms also make excellent cut flowers — just a few stems in a vase can fill a room with fragrance.
At Heritage Hill Nursery, we’re excited to feature Scentara Double Blue Lilac as our Plant Spotlight for early April. Right now, it’s 25% off as part of our April Specials, making it a great time to add this stunning shrub to your garden.
Whether you’re planting your first lilac or expanding an existing collection, Scentara Double Blue offers a beautiful, fragrant, and reliable choice for Wisconsin gardeners. Visit us to see it in person and enjoy the sweet scent of spring!
Photo courtesy of Proven Winters.
Pine Trees are a diverse group of evergreens that add year-round beauty and structure to the garden. Known for their needle-like leaves and distinctive cones, Pine Trees come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from towering giants to compact shrubs. Their evergreen nature ensures a lush and green landscape even in the coldest months, providing both visual interest and ecological benefits.
Native to many regions around the world, Pine Trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including sandy and rocky soils. Once established, Pine Trees are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches.
In Cedarburg, Pine Trees can serve multiple purposes in the landscape. They make excellent windbreaks, privacy screens, and focal points in the garden. Their dense foliage provides shelter for birds and other wildlife, while their cones offer a food source. By incorporating Pine Trees into your garden, you create a resilient and attractive environment that supports local wildlife.
Pine Trees also hold cultural and symbolic significance, often associated with longevity, resilience, and peace. Their timeless beauty and practical benefits make them a valuable addition to any garden. By planting Pine Trees, you can enjoy their majestic presence and contribute to a sustainable and thriving landscape throughout the year.
Evergreen Magnolia, also known as Southern Magnolia, is a majestic tree known for its large, glossy leaves and fragrant, creamy-white flowers. This evergreen tree adds year-round beauty to the garden with its striking foliage and blooms. In the winter, the deep green leaves provide a lush backdrop, while the large flowers add a touch of elegance in the warmer months.
Native to the southeastern United States, Evergreen Magnolia thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches. In Cedarburg, this tree can serve as a stunning focal point in the garden.
Evergreen Magnolia is valued for its ornamental qualities and adaptability. Its large size and lush foliage make it an excellent choice for providing shade and creating a focal point in the landscape. By planting Evergreen Magnolia, you add timeless beauty and elegance to your garden.
Holly is a classic symbol of winter and the holiday season, known for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries. This evergreen shrub or small tree adds vibrant color to the garden during the winter months, making it a festive and attractive addition. The berries provide food for birds, adding ecological value.
Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, Holly thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning to maintain its shape. In Cedarburg, Holly can be used as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation planting.
Holly is dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are needed for berry production. Planting a mix of both ensures a beautiful display of red berries in the winter. By incorporating Holly into your garden, you add festive charm and support local wildlife.
Boxwood is a classic evergreen shrub valued for its dense, lush foliage and versatility in garden design. Its small, glossy leaves create a neat and formal appearance, making it ideal for hedges, topiaries, and foundation plantings. Boxwood maintains its vibrant green color throughout the winter, providing year-round interest.
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, Boxwood thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent disease. In Cedarburg, Boxwood can be used to create structured and elegant garden features.
Boxwood is also deer-resistant, making it a practical choice for gardens in areas with wildlife. Its evergreen nature and adaptability make it a staple in traditional and modern garden designs. By incorporating Boxwood into your garden, you add structure and timeless beauty throughout the year.