A tough shrub with scented flowers in spring, lilac has much to recommend it, says Gillian Vine. The number of available cultivars has also tended to shrink and lilac (Syringa) is a prime example. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), a native of eastern Europe, is the parent of most cultivars. Early European settlers brought lilacs to New Zealand. One was George Matthews, who arrived in Otago in March 1850 on Lady Nugent, bringing with him numerous trees and shrubs, including lilacs.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 13, 2017 18:11 UTC