Lilac

A fragrant delight

Enjoy lilac's heady fragrance and floral display, with flowers in white, pink, violet, dark blue and indigo colours to choose from. The latter is also used to make perfume: lilac is synonymous with soft, relaxing and romantic scents.

Colours and shapes

The waxy flowers form a joyous cluster of beautifully-coloured flowers. Some varieties even offer two colours to enjoy. The plant's leaves point upwards, and fully grown it can reach an impressive height of 7m. Lilac's sweet fragrance is reminiscent of spring, conjuring up sunlit days and warm weather clothes. 

Symbolism

It feels almost as if every little flower on the lilac stands for something different, such are the numerous associations of this flower. It's linked to domestic happiness, nostalgia, first young love, innocence and remembrance. The white variety also stand for reticence: in the 19th century, to give your lover a lilac signified that you wanted them to shed some of their reserve.

Origin 

The lilac became fashionable in France and Berlin at the end of 16th century, before conquering the cottage gardens of central Europe. Since the 19th century, the sweet smelling flower has been ubiquitous with a well-tended country garden.