Heat-Tolerant Lilacs for Georgia: Low-Chill Varieties to Seek

Lilacs in the South: It's All About Chill Hours

Most lilacs need 2,000+ hours below 45°F to bloom—unattainable in Georgia. The solution: plant low-chill cultivars bred for mild winters.

Varieties to Request

• 'Lavender Lady'
• 'Blue Boy'
• 'Dark Knight'
• 'Miss Kim' (S. patula)
• 'Betsy Ross'
• 'White Angel' / 'Angel White'

Planting Requirements

• Soil pH: Neutral (6.5–7.0)—add lime at planting
• Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
• Drainage: Excellent; avoid wet clay
• Air flow: Good circulation reduces mildew

Test soil via Extension (1-800-ASKUGA1) before planting.