First published in 1988 by award-winning American hybridizer Reverend John Fiala, this unique reference quickly became known worldwide as the lilac lovers' bible. The latest revision combines Fiala's passion for lilacs with the expertise of Canadian plantsman Freek Vrugtman, the international lilac registrar. The new book provides up-to-date information on the 21 known lilac species and 10 natural hybrids, as well as hundreds of the 2000 named cultivars. Five hundred color photos have been added, including some which show the newest introductions from Russia and Poland. The text addresses practical concerns of selecting, growing, propagating, and using lilacs in the landscape, alone or with companion plants. It also provides fascinating details of the history, origin, and discovery of the species and of the people behind the development of the cultivars. A new chapter on lilacs in art and crafts and an updated list of places where lilacs can be viewed and celebrated complete this rich resource. Packed with 580 gorgeous color photographs, most of them previously unpublished, "Lilacs: A Gardener's Encyclopedia" tells the story of a classic spring-flowering shrub cherished for its reliable masses of colorful flowers and sweet fragrance.