Anabel Lilac Bush

The Anabel Syringa Plant may also be spelled as 'Annabel' or 'Annabelle' and is one of the earliest blooming lilacs. Bred by Hawkins in 1948, this hybrid cross has the attributes of both Syringa vulgaris and hyacinthiflora, including the salt tolerance; he named this daintily-colored beauty after his wife. First introduced in 1956, pretty Anabel has been a landscaping staple for decades. Bearing pretty pink buds in early spring, the florets are double-petalled, opening pastel pink and maturing nearly or completely white, and of course, have that wonderful scent that only lilacs have. Be sure to collect lilac sprigs to bring that signature perfume indoors. Removing the spent flowers promptly will encourage more blooms, and then prune after the flowering has ended, usually in mid to late summer. Known to attract butterflies.

Companion Planting: Clematis, Dogwood, Magnolia, Passiflora