Any tips for growing lilacs in TX? Anyone tried to grow Miss Kim Lilacs?

[skankamaggot]

As a native New Englander transplanted in the Dallas, TX area I deeply miss my old lilac bushes.  After doing some research online, I was very sad to learn that most lilacs need a cold summer and acidic dirt to grow in and they might grow but will not bloom in warmer climates. 

THEN I found the Miss Kim Lilacs online which is supposed to do well in the southern states where other lilacs have difficulty.  They are supposed to be able to grow in zones 3-8 (I'm zone 8 ).  On an impulse, I bought 3 2-gallon plants online. 

But now I'm worried if I'll have trouble growing these.  I am by NO means an experienced gardener, I only have a sad little flower patch in my backyard with sunflowers and misc other wildflowers and such.  Has anybody has this type of lilacs?  Am I doomed to not having these beautiful fragrant flowers in the south?   

[alykorn]

Instead of summer plants you will have to shift your thinking to spring:)
Have you l
 I live in Beaumont (east of houston) some summers we are zone 10( AKA- omigod can we move yet?) The trick for my gardens is to mulch heavily, the roots stay cooler and deep water once a week. Don't depend on mother nature in texas- it is either bone dry or flooding.
Use pine needles to make you soil acidic, roses and blueberry bushes love acidic soil so that is what we use under our mulch. We get our mulch from the city, but the bagged stuff is great too but the city gives it away

I love growing stuff down here, honestly would not change it for anything. Good luck with your lilacs. You can PM me and I will try and help you with your gardening questions!!

[Trish Fantastic]

I am in New England, transplanted from Dallas, TX!

I do not know for sure but what I would try if I were you is to first, put something in the soil to bring up the acidity levels. Sawdust, composted leaves, wood chips, cottonseed meal, leaf mold and especially peat moss are all things that should do this. After you plant the lilacs lay some stacks of newspaper around the bush and wet it down with the hose. Then mulch over it. The newspaper and mulch will help to keep the roots from drying out too fast in the summer. Lilacs can handle hot summers but you don't want it to dry out.

Now if only I could get a Crape Myrtle to bloom here for several months!