Lilacs are a popular spring-blooming shrub known for their deliciously fragrant flowers. Most lilacs produce flowers in shades of purple, lavender, blue, pink, and white. While pure pink lilac trees do exist, they are relatively rare compared to other lilac color varieties. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at pink lilacs, examine why true pink lilacs are uncommon, give advice for finding and growing pink lilac trees, and suggest pink-flowering alternatives.
What causes the pink color in lilacs?
The color of lilac blooms is determined by pigments called anthocyanins. Higher levels of cyanidin-3-glucoside in the plant produce blue and purple flowers, while higher concentrations of pelargonidin-3-glucoside result in pink or reddish blooms. Most lilac varieties contain more cyanidin than pelargonidin, leading to predominately lavender blooms. True pink lilacs with little to no purple have rare genetic mutations resulting in very high pelargonidin content.
Are naturally pink lilac varieties available?
There are a few genuinely pink lilac cultivars, though they can be challenging to find compared to the many shades of purple lilacs:
- Sensation – One of the pinkest available, with dense, fragrant blooms up to 8 inches long.
- Clementine – Compact variety with reddish buds opening to medium pink blooms.
- Red Pixie – Dwarf shrub with bright raspberry pink single flowers.
- Pink Perfume – Very fragrant semi-double blooms open light pink.
These varieties may only be available from specialist nurseries focused on rare or historic lilacs. Online specialty retailers also sometimes carry pink lilac trees and bushes.
How to get pink lilac trees
Here are some tips for acquiring true pink lilacs:
- Order young plants from specialty growers online or request them from local nurseries.
- Check for mature pink lilac trees at local botanical gardens and ask about cuttings.
- Join lilac societies that exchange plant material between members.
- Propagate from cuttings of established pink lilac bushes.
- Buy grafted trees combining pink lilac scions with hardy rootstock.
Patience and persistence may be needed to track down genuinely pink options. Lilac enthusiasts are often happy to share cuttings or knowledge on sourcing these uncommon specimens.
Caring for pink lilacs
Pink lilacs require the same care as common purple varieties:
- Full sun exposure.
- Neutral to alkaline soil with good drainage.
- Regular watering when first planted.
- Occasional pruning to shape and thin overcrowded branches.
- Fertilization once yearly to maintain vigorous growth.
Established pink lilac trees are quite hardy and trouble free in appropriate climates and soil. Monitor for pests like borers, scale, and powdery mildew and treat as needed. Protect young trees from harsh weather extremes.
Why are pink lilac trees uncommon?
Genuinely pink lilac trees are rare for a few key reasons:
- Most lilac species and hybrids inherited higher levels of cyanidin pigment, yielding purple or lavender blooms.
- Pink lilacs tend to revert back to purple unless carefully propagated.
- The genetics for strong pink pigmentation are uncommon and recessive.
- Pink varieties are slower growing and weaker, making propagation difficult.
- Nurseries favor faster growing purple hybrids that appeal to most buyers.
Through selective breeding, growers work to strengthen pink lilac strains. But the genetics remain delicate and the environment impacts color expression. Lilac enthusiasts value the rare pink types for their uniqueness.
Environmental impacts on lilac bloom color
While genetics determine the pigments present in lilacs, the environment also affects how color develops:
- Cool weather intensifies color expression.
- Insufficient sunlight results in paler blooms.
- Soil pH affects pigment uptake and color saturation.
- Young or stressed plants may bloom lighter than mature specimens.
Even naturally pink lilacs can fade out to almost white given the wrong conditions. Location impacts bloom color intensity.
Pink lilac alternatives
If true pink lilac trees remain elusive, here are some plants that offer similarly beautiful pink spring blooms:
Pink flowering cherry trees
The iconic ornamental cherries of Washington, D.C. bloom in varying shades of pink depending on variety. Popular choices:
- Kwanzan – Double pink flowers on upright branches.
- Yoshino – Fragrant, single pale pink blossoms.
- Akebono – Abundant semi-double pink blooms.
- Okame – Vibrant fuchsia-pink flowers on small tree.
These Japanese cherry trees make excellent landscape focal points. Some varieties have dramatic fall foliage as well. They bloom shortly before lilacs.
Pink dogwood trees
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) tree sports large pink bracts surrounded by white petal-like bracts in spring. Weeping or shrub forms are also available. Choose named cultivars like:
- Cherokee Chief – Deep pink flowers.
- Cherokee Princess – Soft baby pink blooms.
- Cloud 9 – Profuse, large pink bracts on hardy tree.
- Rubra – Vibrant rich pink bracts on large tree.
Dogwoods combine beautifully with azaleas and other acid-loving shrubs. Some types have red fall color.
Pink magnolias
Magnolia trees and shrubs contribute sensational pink or purple spring flowers on bare branches. Notable selections:
- Saucer magnolia – Massive pink blooms on large tree.
- Star magnolia – White or pink delicate flowers on small tree or shrub.
- Loebner magnolia – Profuse fragrant flowers on compact shrub.
- Jane magnolia – Purple-pink tulip shaped blooms.
Choose magnolia types suited to your growing zone. Deciduous varieties flower profusely; evergreen kinds have attractive foliage year-round.
Pink rhododendrons and azaleas
These spring-blooming shrubs closely resemble lilacs. Azaleas and rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil rich in organic matter. Plant in groups for maximum impact.
Other pink spring bloomers
Also consider these flowering shrubs for pops of pink in spring:
- Spirea – Dense pink flower clusters on low mounds.
- Viburnum – Pale pink lacecap blooms contrast beautifully with dark leaves.
- Weigela – Pink trumpet-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds.
- Quince – Profuse rosy-pink blooms precede edible fruit.
These easy-care shrubs provide both spring flowers and summer structure. Plant with perennials, bulbs, and annuals to extend seasonal interest.
Conclusion
Genuinely pink lilac trees remain elusive due to their delicate genetics and the prevalence of lavender-flowering types. Seek out specialty growers or enthusiasts to help source authentic pink lilac varieties like Sensation, Clementine, or Pink Perfume. Provide optimal soil, sunlight, and care to encourage the strongest color expression. Consider planting complementary flowering trees and shrubs in hues of pink and purple to mimic the look of lilacs in spring. With persistent searching and expert culture, the rare beauty of pink lilac blooms can be enjoyed.