'Beauty of Moscow' Lilac - A Russian Treasure and A Great Mother’s Day Gift

When the Iron Curtain lifted, we discovered that plant breeders in the former Soviet Union had been diligently working developing new plants the entire time. There were disease-resistant roses, many hardy hibiscus, peonies, and lilacs from Latvia and Russia. In my opinion the best of these treasures is the Russian hybrid lilac 'Beauty of Moscow' (Krasavitsa Moskvy). When it is in bloom (and fragrant), 'Beauty of Moscow' is the most popular of the "French hybrid-type" lilacs amongst walk-in customers. There is much to like about this lilac:

• It is powerfully fragrant and the fragrance actually intensifies as the flower matures - probably the most fragrant of any lilac.

• The multi-petalled flower trusses are absolutely huge and broad, erect (even after a rain) and well-formed without the gaps that often appear in the trusses of double lilacs. They make excellent cut flowers.

• The small pastel pink, pearl-like buds open to white blooms. The flower panicles are remarkably abundant and long lasting. The plant habit is extremely upright (not floppy) and reaches about 12 feet in height by 7 feet in width.

Planting and Care

• Hardy in Zones 4-7.

• Plant in rich, well-drained (neutral to slightly alkaline) soil in full sun or very light shade. Mix a half a bag of Chesapeake Blue Crab Compost into your soil. Plant with the top of the root ball just showing.

• Remove old blooms immediately after flowering to encourage more blossoms. If necessary, prune at the same time.

• Fertilize with Bulb-tone at planting, in early spring and in late autumn.

Own root plants from 2 gallon pots at $28.85 each or 3 gallon pots at $38.85 each.