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Will lilacs bloom in Port Orford, Oregon? #879071

Asked July 27, 2024, 10:10 PM EDT

Hi I make essential oil from lilacs and peonies. I am looking to plant lilacs in Port Orford, Oregon for perfuming purposes. Does it get cold enough there in the winter to set blooms?

Also will peonies bloom there? I can't seem to get a definitive answer on these questions.

I have seen lilacs for sale in nurseries, but have not seen any growing around Port Orford, Oregon. 

Thank you

Curry County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi,

Port Orford is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, so it's a little on the warm side for both peonies and lilacs. That being said, there are some lilacs that have been bred to require less chilling: 'Old Glory'
'Excel'

Apparently, these can grow in zone 9, so they're definitely work a try! This information was found here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/syringa-x-hyacinthiflora/

I can't guarantee lilacs will bloom or be as productive as you would need them to be for your business. My suggestion would be to look at one (or both) of the low chill varieties and test them out.

With regard to peonies, they like warmer USDA zones as well- typically to zone 8. However, I live in Myrtle Point, which has been shifted to zone 9a, and mine and others' peonies bloom every year. I know of a good gardener in Langlois who can't get peonies to do anything for her (Langlois is zone 9b as well), which makes me think they might not be a good option for you. However, there are some low chill varieties that you can try. 'Sarah Bernhardt' is one of those, and it's very common. See this website for management tips for growing peonies in warmer zones: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/paeonia-hybrids/

Again, I would suggest testing a few varieties to see if you can have success at your specific farming location.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful reply. I’ll give those varieties a try. I am thinking I may have to shift to growing and extracting other flowers in Port Orford. Gardenias and Jasmine perhaps! More tropical varieties!
Thanks again,

CharlePan 


On Aug 1, 2024, at 10:33 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 9:48 AM EDT

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