Small, fragrant, white flowers in spring, followed by round black fruit. The following are lilac varieties which can do well in the South because they fewer chill hours to bloom. Try to plant on the cooler east or north side of your house for better chill and bud set. Add a cup of lime twice a year around the base of the shrub. This slow growing Manchurian Lilac has dark green foliage and deep purple buds that open to purple-blue flowers.
Foliage has burgundy tint in fall.
Avoid hot afternoon soil. Lavender Lady 12 foot tall with lavender blooms. Bred especially for warmer climates. Gracefully grows to 8 feet. Most lilacs grow like a crape myrtle.