Lilacs range in height from 6 to 15 feet depending on cultivar. They prefer full sun and do not flower well in shady locations. Avoid planting lilacs in partial shade as several cultivars are susceptible to powdery mildew. Both grow approximately 6-feet tall and bloom later than most lilacs. Several species of viburnum produce attractive, fragrant blooms in early spring.
Flower buds are pink opening to white and often appear prior to the emergence of the foliage.
The lustrous, dark green leaves are attractive all season. Fruit that starts out red and changes to black can be showy in late summer. Plants prefer partial shade with moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Several variegated leaf cultivars offer summer interest in addition to their flowers with green and yellow or creamy white leaves. For larger shrubs or small trees with spring bloom, serviceberry, fringetree or star magnolia offers beauty to the landscape.