Cold and drought tolerant. Proper pruning is necessary for attractive plants and minimizes borers and powdery mildew. Remove the oldest wood and any weak growth. Cut off flowers as soon as they fade. Borers attack older Lilac stems.
Powdery mildew is a common summer disease.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area. Lilac is one of the best known and most commonly planted of all flowering shrubs. It is grown primarily for its late spring flowers. The so-called French hybrids are among the most popular of this species. Both single and double-flowered forms are commonly available, and most are very fragrant.