Get ready to infuse your home with the charm of lilacs! As mid-spring approaches, so does lilac season and the opportunity to bring these fresh flowers indoors. Their pop of color and soft scent will fill our living space with gorgeous lilacs. Let’s talk about great ways to use lilacs in decor now! I first fell in love with lilacs in our first home. 

My Lilac Obsession

My love of lilac season began with the white lilac tree outside my kitchen window in our first home, it was a common lilac. Their soothing color and the scent of lilac outside my kitchen window made my day while washing dishes.

We’ve planted five lilac bushes in our yard, next to our deck.

So, after living in our home for a few years we finally added lilac bushes in our yard next to our deck. This is an easy way for me to reach the lilacs to cut and use in our decor. So, when we sit on our deck, in the late afternoons to enjoy iced tea or a cocktail, we are surrounded by the smell of lilacs. And let me tell you their beautiful color and scent of fresh lilacs are AMAZING!

Unveiling Nature’s Palette: Discovering Varieties of Lilacs And The Perfect Bloom!

First, we didn’t realize there were different lilac varieties and shades of purple lilac. There is a common lilac that blooms once a season. We had these in white at our first home. They come in cream, rose, pinkish-magenta, and purple.

And then to my surprise, we found varieties of lilacs that start to bloom in late spring and late fall. The lilac shrubs we purchased are from Proven Winners and are named Bloomerang in a beautiful shade of dark purple.

My only complaint about the lilac is the bloom time is short. So, when we began shopping for our lilac shrubs, I was thrilled to find a variety with a longer bloom time. And guess what, we have these, and they bloom two times a season. How exciting is this?

Fun Facts About Lilacs:

Lilac was the color of the year in 2022. Adding this color to an accent wall or architectural features is a brilliant way to add a bit of this color to your home.

Exploring The Lilac Color Theory 

Ever wonder about the color theory behind the color lilac? The color was named after the soft color flower in the late 1700s and symbolizes spirituality, early love, or first love.

What do lilacs attract?

Lilacs are easy-to-grow, shrubs with fragrant purple flowers that bloom in spring. They attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Fresh lilacs make the best-cut flowers.

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How to prune a Bloomerang lilac?

We bought the Bloomerang lilac shrub because it blooms twice a year, in later spring, and fall. The trick was to learn the best way to prune them, so we got the most out of their bloom time and growing season.

Bloomerang lilacs bloom on old and new wood (last year’s woody stem and this year’s new stem growth), and because of their size do not require regular pruning.

We cut their long woody stem when harvesting about 6 inches long. When their late spring bloom is finished, we find this is the best time to “give them a haircut.” We cut any remaining spent flowers with hand-held garden shears to the next leaf. This has worked for us and given us the best rebloom before late fall.

Are there different types of lilacs?

Lilac Lovers: Explore The Varieties Of These Blooms

• Syringa Vulgaris – Persian Lilac: This common lilac is an old-fashioned favorite and is what we had when I fell in love with the plant. They are a deciduous large shrub/small tree. They bloom in early spring are upright and make a great tall and dense hedge.
• Syringa X – Bloomerang Series: This variety is deer- and disease-resistant. They grow from 4-6 feet tall (ours are 4ft.) Their leaves are a beautiful green and turn yellow in fall. And their branches tend to arched. The lilac blooms last for weeks from mid to late spring. They rebloom from mid to late summer until frost.  
• Syringa Vulgaris – Primrose: These lilacs bloom with large flowers in a beautiful shade of creamy yellow. They have dark heart-shaped leaves. These work in a group or alone.
• Syringa X Obalat – Betsy Ross: These lilac flowers enjoy high humidity. They get 10 ft. high to 13 feet wide. White flowers bloom in early spring and are known for being resistant to powdery mildew. It’s one of the few lilacs that can grow in southern climates.

Unveiling Nature’s Palette: Discovering Varieties of Lilacs And The Perfect Bloom!

First, we didn’t realize there were different lilac varieties and shades of purple lilac. There is a common lilac that blooms once a season. We had these in white at our first home. They come in cream, rose, pinkish-magenta, and purple.

And then to my surprise, we found varieties of lilacs that start to bloom in late spring and late fall. The lilac shrubs we purchased are from Proven Winners and are named Bloomerang in a beautiful shade of dark purple.

My only complaint about the lilac is the bloom time is short. So, when we began shopping for our lilac shrubs, I was thrilled to find a variety with a longer bloom time. And guess what, we have these, and they bloom two times a season. How exciting is this?

My love of lilac season began with the white lilac tree outside my kitchen window in our first home, it was a common lilac. Their soothing color and the scent of lilac outside my kitchen window made my day while washing dishes.

We’ve planted five lilac bushes in our yard, next to our deck.

So, after living in our home for a few years we finally added lilac bushes in our yard next to our deck. This is an easy way for me to reach the lilacs to cut and use in our decor. So, when we sit on our deck, in the late afternoons to enjoy iced tea or a cocktail, we are surrounded by the smell of lilacs. And let me tell you their beautiful color and scent of fresh lilacs are AMAZING!

Cutting And Preparing Lilacs

Harvesting Beauty: The Best Time Of Day To Snip Your Lilacs For Maximum Freshness

The best time to cut lilac stems is early morning or evening.

• Choose lilac blooms with their flowers three-quarters open. Fully open, the fewer vase life-cut lilacs will have.
• A good tip, never cut their woody stem during afternoon sun and the heat of the day. This may stress the lilac bush.
• The best way to cut their woody stem is to use a clean pair of cutting shears. I keep a set of pruning shears in our kitchen specifically for cutting flowers.
• Cut each lilac stem at a 45-degree angle.
• We also bring a large bucket filled ½ with cool water. After cutting each lilac stem, add it to the water to get a drink.
• Immediately after cutting, I remove all the leaves from the lilac stems.
• Let the cut flowers drink cool water for a few hours in a dark place. I like to let them drink for 2-4 hours. I do the same process with our hydrangeas. I cut each stem at a 45-degree angle about an inch before letting them drink water. Woody stems love to drink water and I can’t believe how much they drink. Our laundry room is the perfect spot because we have no windows. A basement will work too.
• After they drink their water, I cut their woody stem at a 45-degree angle to the length I need before making any lilac arrangements. I bring out items to hold the fresh flowers to add to our home. I like using baskets lined with glass vases, pitchers, a wood crate, or jardienerie. Next, I add water and a floral preservative before arranging my flowers.
• When adding these to areas in our living space, I try to keep them from direct sunlight and not to have too many cut lilacs together. I do this with our hydrangeas too.
• Check the water line every day and add fresh water. I can’t stress this enough.  

Planting Lilac Bushes

Unlock The Secret Of Lilac Bushes: Patience Leads To A Stunning Full Bloom

As I mentioned above, we planted these lilac shrubs next to our deck so bringing in the cut flowers would be easy for me. Since I have MS this is an easy way for me to feel independent. 

This is the perfect spot because it gets full sun and lilacs require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and don’t mind the harsh afternoon sun.

I couldn’t wait to enjoy the smell of lilacs again. The first year’s bloom the lilacs were small. 

Because, we thought they would be smelling beautiful and I’d be cutting flowers in abundance to bring indoors, to fill a glass vase, pitchers, baskets, etc.

Wait until you see what these lilac blossoms look like next year!

Lilac Season

Nature’s Splendor: Revel In The Beauty Of Lilacs In Full Bloom

In my very own yard, after a waiting period, lilacs began to bloom.  It was mostly squealing, smiles, and the pitter-pat of my heart.

Knowing I was going to have fresh lilacs had me excited beyond words. As the days progressed, so did all the squealing and smiles. See, patience paid off because there were blooms on all the lilac stems. And the lilac flowers were growing on all four bushes.

My plans were coming true. As they were getting larger, and the buds were beginning to open so were plans to use these in their lilac color in my favorite way in our living room, kitchen, and dining room.

As these blooms began, I was getting quite impatient again. Seeing pictures on social media in other bloggers’ homes made me sigh. I’m not the most patient person in the world.

I began to imagine this pop of color in mason jars, baskets, and coffee tables. The feeling of anticipation began, however, I knew the time for fresh lilacs was around the corner. And boy oh boy was it worth the wait. Are you ready to see these gorgeous lilacs and the easiest way to add these lilac arrangements to home decor?

Okay, here we go!

Great Ways To Use Lilacs In Decor Now!

Idea 1: Elevate A Living Space: Ways To Infuse Cut Lilacs For Instant Charm

Ready, it’s finally time to see these lilac arrangements in all their purple glory! I wish you could enjoy the smell of the lilacs and the soft scent throughout our home. Their beauty and pop of color add a bit of rustic charm to every spot.

First, to share great ways to use lilacs in decor, I add these to a glass jar filled with fresh cool water and a floral preservative. One of my favorite ways to display purple lilac is in an antique Majolica pitcher.

Good Tip: When adding fresh flowers to an antique piece it’s best to add a glass vase. The water and the flower preservative may cause damage to the piece. Remember to add fresh cool water every day. Lilacs can wilt quickly so every little bit helps them stay their best.

Coffee Table

Idea 2: Coffee Table: Elevate Decor With A Focal Point Nestled In A Basket

I immediately thought of adding these to this basket. I added 5 glass vases from Dollar Tree. The basket also adds great texture and makes these a focal point on the coffee table in our living room. The falling soft lilac petals are extra pretty.

Blooms In A Jardiniere

Idea 3: Elevate Decor With A Jardiniere Bursting With Lilac Blossoms

Adding cut flowers to my French antique Jardinière is gorgeous. I added mason jars to the center with water and a floral preservative The lilac color against the black of the jardinière is beautiful with our elegant/ rustic decor. The lilacs cascading over the sides are my favorite part.

The color palette of purple and green together is the perfect complementary colors. A way to have this color combination is a moss ball. 

Good Tip: Add a new floral preservative when changing the water. As I mentioned lilacs wilt quickly and every bit helps to enjoy their soothing color and scent.

Lilacs In A Corner 

Idea 4: Floral Magic: My Favorite Way: Cut Lilacs In Decor With Unexpected Color

Lastly, I added the lilac flowers to our Florentine table in a McCoy pitcher. This is pretty with the topiary I made last year. This mixes a favorite way to decorate, rustic decor with a bit of elegance. The pink books are the easiest way to add a little spring color to a dark corner.

Garden To Table: Discover The World Of Edible Flowers

Lilacs are edible flowers. Have you ever thought about having a lilac cocktail or lilac ice cubes? Imagine enjoying a cocktail, iced tea, or lemonade on a spring afternoon while enjoying the sunshine.

What about enjoying some Lilac ice cream?

Can you imagine seeing specks of soft lilac blended into vanilla ice cream? I found a few recipes I’m sharing from The Farmer’s Daughter. Kelsey tries to find a way to savor the lilac a little bit longer since their bloom time goes by quickly. This is the best way to enjoy a treat on a warm spring day! She shares the easiest way to make lilac jelly too!

Luxurious Lilac Sugar and Irresistible Lilac Syrup

Here’s another easy way to use lilac in the kitchen, lilac sugar and syrup. Kelsey from The Farmer’s Daughter adds a handful of clean, dry lilac blooms to a cup of sugar and lets it sit. She shakes it once a day. After a few days, using a strainer she removes the flowers. This is a brilliant way to give a gift for Mother’s Day or to the lilac lover in your life!

Elevate Your Cocktails And Desserts With Lilac Simple Syrup

The Spruce Eats shares an easy way to make lilac simple syrup for spring drinks. They say the syrup looks brown in the bottle, but it adds a soft lilac color to drinks. Spruce Eats offers tips for the best way to add this to numerous cocktails and beverages.

Important Tip:  When making this sugar only use lilac blossoms from Common Lilac, not Persian Lilac. Every purple lilac must be removed individually. They also advise avoiding using any part of the lilac stems!

Sweeten Your Palette: Indulge In Lilac Honey

Have you ever heard of Lilac honey? Anette Selnes from Norway and Anetteslens.com say the easiest way to preserve the smell of lilacs and the taste of summer is with lilac honey. It gets her through the dreary winter with the taste of late spring in a jar. Just imagine this delicious lilac honey drizzled on oatmeal or pancakes. With this recipe, Common varieties are recommended. However, she says to do your research with lilacs growing in your own yard.

Important Tip: Be sure the lilacs you grow are safe to add to food. Persian lilacs aren’t recommended for consumption!

A Refreshing Lilac Cocktail Experience

Ben from Havoc In The Kitchen shares a Lilac Empress 1908 cocktail. This cocktail is filled with gorgeous lilacs and the color is beautiful! Ben shares a pretty martini cocktail with lilacs too!

Savor the Season: Lilac Wine An Enchanting Taste Of Spring!”

I haven’t heard about lilac wine, have you? I found Maple River Winery and this is what they say about their wine.

“Our unique Lilac Wine is produced with handpicked white, lavender, and purple lilac blossoms. This semi-sweet white wine has a velvet citrus taste with a hint of lilac fragrance across your tongue with each sip. Perfect for entertaining. Enjoy chilled or with fruits or cheese and crackers. We enjoyed several bottles with a group. The taste brings you the smell of lilacs. As seen on NBC’s Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda on March 22, 2011.”

Ready to Bloom? Transform Your Home with Lilacs Today!

• Ready to infuse your home with the charm of lilacs? Start by incorporating these blooms into your decor with our easy tips!
• Explore the world of lilacs beyond their beauty! Try out our suggested recipes for lilac syrup, honey, and cocktails to indulge your senses.
• Join the lilac lover community! Share your creative ways of using lilacs in home decor and culinary delights on social media using #LilacLove and tag us @clochesandlavender.

Conclusion

Blossoming Beauties: Embrace Lilacs to Elevate Your Home Decor with Timeless Charm

As we wrap up our exploration of the easy ways to use lilacs in your home decor, it’s clear that these blooms offer many possibilities for adding beauty, fragrance, and a touch of springtime charm to any space. Whether adding them to a coffee table in a rustic basket, a jardiniere, or culinary creations, lilacs bring joy to every corner of your home. From different lilac varieties and color palettes, these blooms truly elevate any room. So, whether you’re an avid lilac lover or just discovering them, now is the time to infuse your living space with gorgeous lilacs.

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