One of our most popular lilacs this year has been the new release from the National Arboretum – a member of the “U.S. Flag” series, Declaration Lilac.  A smaller lilac – 6′-8′ in height and 6′-7′ in width, Declaration’s large, fragrant reddish purple flowers are super showy!  Clean foliage, it has shown good mildew resistance.  Lilacs prefer well drained soil – they don’t like wet feet – and they need full sun.  Lilacs attract butterflies which is just an added bonus!  This plant can be used as a specimen, in a hedge or as a background plant.