Lilac

Intensely fragrant spring blooms in purple, lavender, and white have made lilac a cottage garden classic for generations. Its large, rounded form works well for hedges and privacy screens. Cut a few flower clusters and the whole house fills with sweet scent. Lilacs are exceptionally hardy and long-lived in regions with cold winters. Sown outdoors in fall, lilac seed gets the winter chill it needs naturally, producing young shrubs that can bloom for decades.