What kind of lilac actually stinks?

Question

We moved into our home to find lots of plants around the yard. I was excited to see a lilac bush, but when it finally bloomed (after most other lilacs) the fragrance was so incredibly strong I could not bring cuttings inside. The smell was not sweet — it was like a cheap, overpowering perfume. Yuk. Is there anything I can do to change the fragrance?

Answer 1

I don’t think there’s anything you can do to change the smell of a lilac. If anyone does know, please share with us. Sense of smell is a personal thing — some people can’t stand what others find quite delightful. There’s no reason in the world you can’t pull out the lilac you don’t like. Maybe you could advertise that you have a mature lilac that has to go, and someone will turn up who will take it, thus sparing you the work of digging it up.