Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - May 07, 2010
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Non-native lilacs for wedding bouquet in July in Salt Lake City
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
My friend's daughter wants to have lilacs in her wedding bouquet, but she is not getting married until July 15th. I realize lilacs are spring flowers, but will there be anywhere in the U.S. that lilacs will still be blooming or is there a floral outlet where I can buy lilacs for her bouquet come July?ANSWER:
We were just recently asked about growing lilacs in Georgia, for someone who had fond memories of them growing in Connecticut. Here is an excerpt from our answer to that question:
"Lilacs bloom only for a quick couple of weeks in the Spring; so, if they have already done that, you're not going to get any more blooming until next Spring. The majority of natural lilacs come from Asia. In Europe, they come from the Balkans, France and Turkey. Of course, being non-native to North America, they do not appear in our Native Plant Database."
As for getting them from a florist, we have no listings for those in our database; we would suppose some floral supply company somewhere might grow, in severely controlled greenhouse conditions, lilacs blooming in July, and be prepared to deliver them to you on the appointed date, for a price. And there's the rub. We would suggest that the bride talk to a local, reputable florist and get suggestions from them for alternative flowers. Most flowers provided by florists are non-natives to North America and out of our area of expertise, anyway. Whatever she chooses will probably be flown in and not be cheap, but we honestly don't think lilacs would be available anywhere in July, even from the other side of the world.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for Penstemon calycocus
May 01, 2008 - Do you know where I can obtain Penstemon calycocus? I live in Annapolis. I am willing to look at mail order sources.
view the full question and answer
Growing non-native and exotic plants in New Oxford PA
October 24, 2010 - Is there a palm tree that would grow in New Oxford PA? Also do you know where I could find a place to buy Exotic and Unusual Plant Seeds from around the World. I would like one that has a good reputa...
view the full question and answer
Can you recommend a supplier for Comptonia?
May 11, 2009 - Can you recommend a web supplier for the native plant Sweet Fern, Comptonia?
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Source for invasive, non-native Lythrum in Indiana
April 28, 2009 - Please help me find where I can purchase Lithrum in Indiana. This is my favorite plant from long ago. I know it has been banned for the last few years. Presently you need a permit to sell Lithrum. I ...
view the full question and answer
Sources for cedar and Texas sedge seeds in Central Texas
December 27, 2008 - Where can I buy cedar and Texas sedge seeds in the central Texas area? What will be the cost? I have found a few nurseries who sell 4 inch pots, but that is very costly for the size of area I want to ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |