Extraordinary lilac

According to one legend, the lilac bloomed when spring chased the snow away from the meadows and lifted the sun high above the ground.

Lilac was highly valued in China for its medicinal properties and is still used medicinally today. For example, the sap of the leaves has healing properties, the flowers help with rheumatism and pain relief.

It is considered a harmonising plant because it is named after the Greek naiad Syringa, which is responsible for tranquillity and mental balance.

Queen Elizabeth I Tudor was a lilac lover and was given to her by the Austrian Emperor.

Some varieties are frost hardy and can comfortably tolerate temperatures of up to 60 degrees below zero.

Lilacs have been cultivated for about 500 years, but during that time as many as 2300 species of lilacs of various shapes, colours and scents have been grown. The only rival is roses.

The goddess Siringa, after whom the plant was named, was responsible for idyll and joy. Arguably, the lilacs themselves do a fine job of these functions.