Announced 3 new lilac flower varieties

Lilacs. The name evokes nostalgia for the spring days full of life and colorful flowers that give off the aroma. Lilacs have long been a beloved plant in the garden or yard of American families. They also play a role in American history.

Originally a native tree in East Asia and Southeastern Europe, lilacs were introduced to North America thanks to the first settlers, after which they were sold to nurseries here since 1800. The oldest incense living in North America is the Governor Wentworth land at Portsmount, NH It is believed that they were planted around 1750. In 1767, Thomas Jefferson recorded the method of growing lilac flowers in the brocade. His gardening capsule. In 1785, George Washington said he had planted lilac trees in his garden. Today, more than 2 million lilacs are sold every year in the United States, reaching over $ 13 million in wholesale sales.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently developed and introduced three new lilac flower varieties. In honor of the patriotic role of lilacs in American history, three new species of plants have been named 'Betsy Ross' (13-star American Flag), 'Old Glory' (a name other United States flag) and 'Declaration' (Declaration).

Dr. Margaret Pooler - genetic researcher at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service and the US National Incubator - recently published a report in April 2008 in the paper. HortScience announced the presence of the new lilac species mentioned above.

Betsy Ross flower tree (left), Old Glory (middle) and Declaration (right). (Photo: Margaret R. Pooler)

According to Dr. Pooler, the National Arboretum breeding program began in the 1970s to develop a warmer climate-adapted lilac variety that has good mold resistance. At the same time, the glorious appearance and fragrant scent. The 'Betsy Ross' tree has a pale cream flower bud that blooms into pure white flowers that have been bred outside since 2000. Old Glory' and 'Declaration' plants were introduced in 2006. Both varieties are new. are made from controlled hybrids but form two distinct lines.

The 'Old Glory' tree is selected with bluish purple flowers, sweet aroma, and round canopy as well as good resistance to disease. According to Dr. Pooler, 'in the Washington, DC area,' Old Glory 'plants are about 12 feet in height and 13 feet in width. It is well tolerated by aphids Cercospora and Pseudomonas syringae in warm climates where illnesses often arise. '

The 'Declaration' tree has large, fragrant, dark red, fragrant flowers and grows upright standing. In Washington, DC, its adult size reaches 8.5 feet high and 7 feet wide. However, it can grow better in cooler areas that already have lilacs present. Name of 3 new flower varieties in the series of lilac flowers 'American flag' of the National Incubator. Both 'Declaration' and 'Old Glory' plants have been tested in the United States. They have now spread and will be available at retail stores this year.