For the Love of Lilacs

This is the Syringa Tinkerbelle lilac bush that blooms mid spring and can grow up to 5 feet high and 4 feet wide

My lilacs are just starting to open now. They smell incredible! Nothing makes me feel more like being alive then the heavenly scent of lilacs (okay, maybe peonies but lilacs are neck and neck with them). 

I purchased two little lilac trees in their temporary containers two years ago and they are still going strong today. They managed to survive two winters up here, on the 19th floor, and were kept tucked away in the northern corner, against the apartment wall with no cover. I am amazed they are doing so well. This fall I intend to transplant them into larger containers and give them a little more tlc.

Even the cat can't help but be drawn by the heavenly scent of lilacs! The one on the far left is the Tinkerbell variety and
the one my cat is indulging in is Sugar Plum. The Sugar Plum is the more fragrant and smaller of the two.

So, after two years, I can say that these two different lilac trees are a keeper for balconies for if they can do so well 19 floors up when the cold winter winds blow, then that is proof enough to me. I check them daily when spring is here and don't let them ever get too dry. I will be repotting them in the fall as it is too late to do so now. 

I don't think you can go wrong with lilacs for your balcony, if you are so inclined. Just make sure you get a variety that is on the small side or of the dwarf variety. I had Sugar Plum in my back yard back in my house-owning days and it only grew to about 4 feet.

So enjoy your lilacs apartment and condo balconeers!