Pinktini™ Lilac

The Pinktini™ Lilac is an ideal plant choice for those with limited space in their gardens, given its modest size of 4-5' in height and 3-4' in width at maturity. This size also makes it a versatile plant that can be used as a stand-alone specimen or grouped in a hedge or border. Its vibrant pink flowers, which bloom from late May through early June, bring a splash of color and a delightful lilac fragrance to the late spring and early summer landscape, particularly in cooler regions.

Bred by Dr. Wilbert Ronald from Jeffries Nursery in Canada, the Pinktini™ Lilac is a variety of the Preston hybrid. This variety is noted for its distinct foliage, which is richly textured and a bright green color. These features combined with its bright pink blossoms provide an aesthetically pleasing contrast, contributing to the overall appeal of the plant.

Notably, the Pinktini™ Lilac demonstrates a considerable degree of hardiness, flourishing in zones 2-7. Its heat tolerance extends to zone 7, which indicates the plant's ability to withstand temperature extremes. For optimal growth, the Pinktini™ Lilac should be positioned in an area of full sun exposure. This ensures that the plant receives the necessary light for photosynthesis and flower production. The upright habit of this plant also makes it a beautiful focal point in any garden setting.

The Pinktini™ Lilac is a versatile plant that can be used in numerous landscaping applications due to its compact size, appealing aesthetics, and pleasant fragrance.

1. Foundation Planting: Its modest size makes it ideal for foundation plantings around homes or buildings. It can provide an attractive and fragrant backdrop without overtaking the space or growing too close to the building's structure.
2. Borders and Hedges: The Pinktini™ Lilac can be used as a border plant along pathways or fences, or planted in a row to create a decorative and fragrant hedge. Its dense growth habit provides privacy, and its vibrant pink flowers add a burst of color.
3. Accent or Specimen Planting: This lilac can also be used as a stand-alone specimen in a garden due to its vibrant colors and fragrance. It can serve as an eye-catching focal point, particularly during its blooming season in late spring and early summer.
4. Container Gardening: Because of its relatively small size, the Pinktini™ Lilac is also suitable for large container planting. This makes it a good option for patios, balconies, or other spaces where ground planting is not possible.
5. Wildlife Attraction: Lilacs are known to attract butterflies, making this plant a lovely addition to a butterfly or wildlife garden.
6. Windbreaks or Screens: When planted in a row, these shrubs can provide an effective windbreak or visual screen.

To thrive, Pinktini™ Lilac requires a location with full sun exposure. And, while it is a hardy plant, it will still benefit from regular watering, proper soil conditions, and occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote vibrant, healthy blooms.

The Pinktini™ Lilac, like most lilacs, requires some specific care to ensure it thrives and maintains its vibrant display of flowers and foliage.

Planting:

1. Location: Choose a location with full sun exposure for the best flower production. The plant can tolerate some shade but blooms best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Soil: Pinktini™ Lilac prefers well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool, as lilacs do not do well in overly wet conditions. The soil pH should ideally be neutral to slightly alkaline.
3. Spacing: Keep in mind the mature size of the plant when spacing - at full size, it can reach 4-5' in height and 3-4' in width. Adequate spacing ensures good air circulation around the plant, which can help prevent diseases.

Care:

1. Watering: Once established, lilacs are quite drought-tolerant, but in the first few years after planting, regular watering is important. Provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
2. Fertilizing: In general, lilacs don't require much fertilization. However, if your soil is poor, you might consider adding a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
3. Pruning: Lilacs bloom on old wood, which means they set the next year's flower buds almost immediately after the current year's blossoms fade. Therefore, if you want to prune your Pinktini™ Lilac, it should be done immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to set buds for the next year's bloom. Pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and promotes more vigorous blooms.
4. Disease and Pest Control: While the Pinktini™ Lilac is generally hardy, monitor the plant for common lilac diseases such as powdery mildew, and pests like lilac borers or scale. If any signs of these are observed, treat accordingly using recommended horticultural methods.

By providing the Pinktini™ Lilac with these basic needs and care, you can enjoy its beautiful bright pink flowers and fragrant blooms for years to come.