Lilacs in the United Kingdom
Lilacs have been naturalized in Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, etc.) as well as much of North America.Lilacs were introduced to USA in the 1750’s .Rochester, N.Y. undoubtedly is the Lilac Capital of the World. It’s love for Lilacs dates back to 1892, when Highland Park horticulturalist John Dunbar planted 20 varieties and is the scene of an annual, two week long Lilac Festival, with over a half a million people attending the event each year. This park has over 500 varieties of lilacs. However there are in fact over 1000 different varieties. In 2006 New York State Governor George Pataki proclaimed the Lilac as the State bush.
I seem to have two plants in my garden grown from small plants sent by post bought from the Daily Telegraph. And them seem to have done well.