Content
- 1 Breeding activities of Kolesnikov
- 2 The variety of Kolesnikov’s series of varieties
- 3 Lilac varieties with purple and bright purple flowers
- 4 White-flowered lilac
- 5 Varieties of Kolesnikov lilac with purple and blue flowers
- 6 Lilac varieties with pink inflorescences
- 7 Kolesnikov varieties from the “military” series
- 8 Conclusion
Lilac Kolesnikov or Russian lilac is a collection of varieties bred by the outstanding Russian breeder Leonid Alekseevich Kolesnikov.
Breeding activities of Kolesnikov
Being self-taught, Kolesnikov devoted his entire life to creating new varieties of this ornamental shrub. It is known that during his activity he developed more than 300 varieties. Unfortunately, most of them are irretrievably lost these days.Now, according to various estimates, no more than 60 species are known, some of which are only in the collections of botanical gardens abroad.
Thanks to Kolesnikov’s work, Russian lilac is widely known throughout the world. For example, the Galina Ulanova variety adorns the botanical garden of London's Buckingham Palace, and Marshal Zhukov decorates the royal botanical gardens in Canada. There are specimens of this shrub in collections in the USA and other countries.
In Moscow, the peak of popularity of Leonid Kolesnikov’s lilac was in the mid-twentieth century - it could be found in most parks, squares, boulevards, and courtyards. Despite the recognition of Kolesnikov’s outstanding contribution to lilac breeding, now there are almost no unique shrubs left in Moscow. Even on Sirenevy Boulevard, where he and schoolchildren planted bushes in the early 60s, it is almost absent. It has been preserved on the territory of the Kremlin and the All-Russian Exhibition Center.
In the early 50s. Kolesnikov was awarded the Stalin Prize for his outstanding contribution to the development of new varieties of lilac.
In 1973, 5 years after the death of Leonid Kolesnikov, the International Lilac Society awarded him the Golden Bough of Lilac Award.
The variety of Kolesnikov’s series of varieties
Photos of lilac varieties created by Leonid Kolesnikov amaze the imagination with the variety of shades, sizes, shapes, structure of flowers and do not leave anyone indifferent. Among the varieties bred there are purple, bright purple, white, lilac, blue, and pink. Kolesnikov’s “military” series, dedicated to war heroes, is well known. Unfortunately, after the death of their creator, most of the collection was lost: of the three hundred varieties bred by Kolesnikov, a little more than 50 have survived to this day.For example, Danko's Heart, Branch of the World, Vasilisa the Beautiful, Shostakovich's Melodies, Blue Distances, Deceiver, Cornucopia, Top of the Pamirs, Laureate, Snowflake, Recognition have not been preserved. Not even a photo has survived of many varieties of Kolesnikov’s lilacs.
Now interest in the legacy of the great breeder is being revived. Specialists restore rare, original varieties of Kolesnikov’s lilacs; photos with descriptions of many of them can be easily found in reference books.
Lilac varieties with purple and bright purple flowers
Violet and purple shades attract attention with their brightness. Lilacs in these colors are popular. A detailed description and photo of the varieties will allow you to choose the option you like.
Lenin Banner
The Lenin Banner bush blooms profusely in the last days of spring with simple-shaped flowers up to 25 mm in diameter. The purple-red buds with a violet tint are large and spherical in shape. When half-bloomed, they acquire a cherry tint; on the outside they have a purple-lilac color. The flowers are collected in a cone-shaped or round-conical long inflorescence. The features of this shrub are its frost resistance and annual abundant flowering. In addition, the corollas of this variety do not fade in the sun.
Leonid Kolesnikov
Description and photo of lilac Leonid Kolesnikov testify to the extraordinary beauty of this amazing variety. The buds have a rich dark purple color. When opened, they acquire a lighter shade. The flower is round, about 20 mm in diameter, formed by three corollas, each of which has its own shade of purple. Thanks to this, the brushes acquire a characteristic, spectacular volumetric color. The inflorescences are dense, 120–150 mm long, narrowly pyramidal or cylindrical in shape.Common lilac Leonid Kolesnikov blooms in May - early June.
Sensation
When breeding this variety, Kolesnikov managed to achieve a rare effect: the petals have a pronounced contrasting white edging along the edges. The corollas themselves are large, 23–25 mm in size, simple in shape, with a faint pleasant aroma, dark lilac, blooming from purple buds. The petals are oblong, voluminous, rounded at the tips. The flowers are collected in panicles that form inflorescences. Sensation blooms from late May to mid-June. Flowering is moderate.
Sholokhov
This is a Kolesnikov variety with large simple fragrant flowers up to 22 mm in size. The purple color of the buds changes to mauve when they bloom. The slightly concave petals have a broad oval shape and raised edges. The inflorescences are formed by 2–3 pairs of dense round panicles with a narrow pyramidal shape. The variety is characterized by abundant flowering from late spring.
India
Despite the moderation of flowering, the shrub looks luxurious and very impressive. The flowers are fragrant, up to 26 mm in diameter, with slightly concave petals of a deep purple-violet color with reddish-copper notes. This color looks especially interesting in the sun. Long (up to 350 mm), lush, wide-pyramidal panicles form large inflorescences. The India variety blooms in the middle period.
Caprice
Lilac Caprice is a terry lilac. The lilac-pink buds give way to very fragrant flowers up to 20 mm in diameter and acquire a delicate pinkish-purple hue. The panicles forming the inflorescences are dense and erect. Flowering begins at the end of May and lasts approximately 3 weeks.
Kremlin chimes
The Kremlin Chimes variety is distinguished by the fact that this profusely flowering shrub acquires special beauty during the period of half-blooming. The juxtaposition of carmine-violet buds and large bright purple flowers with oval, helical-curved petals creates the effect of special depth. The inflorescences are formed by a pair of large drooping panicles of a pyramidal shape. The Kremlin Chimes variety is a lilac with a medium flowering period.
Dawn of Communism
Large inflorescences are formed by a pair of broad pyramidal panicles. The buds are lilac with a purple tint. The flowers are large, up to 33 mm, with elongated petals that spiral when fully opened. The color is purple with a reddish tint, the center is purple. Lilac Dawn of Communism blooms in late May - early June and is characterized by long flowering.
Twilight
The shrub becomes most decorative in cloudy weather or at dusk, when its large flowers of rich purple with a hint of blue appear velvety. The shape of the corolla is simple, the petals are round in shape with pointed tips of a lighter shade. Has a bright aroma. The aerial inflorescences are medium-sized, pyramidal, and consist of a pair of panicles. The variety blooms in late spring.
Red Moscow
This hybrid, bred by Kolesnikov, is recognized by its rare dark purple color. The variety is one of the seven best world varieties of purple lilac. The flowers are about 20 mm in size, the corolla is formed by rounded, slightly concave petals, against a dark background of which the stamens are clearly visible. The flowers are collected in dense, slender panicles of a wide pyramidal shape, forming inflorescences measuring up to 100x200 mm.The color does not lose saturation when exposed to bright sun. The variety blooms moderately, the appearance of inflorescences begins in the last days of spring.
White-flowered lilac
Lovers of white will appreciate the varieties of white-flowered lilac bred by Kolesnikov. Below are photos and descriptions of the most popular specimens.
Memory of Kolesnikov
In the description of the lilac Memory of Kolesnikov, its decorative qualities are especially noted, and photographs of this amazing variety also testify to this. In mid-May, snow-white double flowers about 30 mm in diameter with a pleasant aroma bloom from buds of a creamy-yellow hue. The oval petals of the inner corolla are curved inward and give it a resemblance to roses. It is noteworthy that this form persists until the plant fades. The flowers are collected in lush panicles that make up the inflorescences. As follows from the description, this variety of lilac was bred by Kolesnikov himself, but received its current name in memory of him after his death.
Moscow beauty (Beauty of Moscow)
This variety is truly a masterpiece among the best varieties of Kolesnikov’s lilacs. It is highly appreciated by lovers of this ornamental shrub all over the world. It was for its creation that the International Lilac Society posthumously awarded Leonid Kolesnikov the “Golden Branch of Lilac”.
The variety belongs to the terry varieties. The flower is formed by 2–3 closely spaced corollas with raised petals. The culture has a pronounced aroma. The buds are pinkish with a lilac tint, at the beginning of blooming they are pale pink, towards the end of flowering they are pure white. Flowering is moderate, quite long, occurs in the middle period.
Bride
Lilac Bride is rightfully considered a pearl in Kolesnikov’s collection. It is famous for its abundant early flowering and special touching modesty. The flowers are delicate, with a subtle exquisite aroma, pinkish-white, blooming from rich pink oval buds. The buds that are not completely open have a soft lilac-pink hue; at the end of flowering, the corolla becomes almost white. The flowers are simple, about 20 mm in diameter, the edges of the oval petals are slightly raised. The inflorescences are large, graceful, airy.
Soviet Arctic
A variety with double flowers consisting of 2–3 corollas. The spirally curved petals are pointed at the edges. The buds of the Soviet Arctic lilac are creamy in color, white when fully bloomed, large, about 25 mm, with a characteristic aroma. Panicles of medium density, wide, pyramidal in shape, with gaps. The bush blooms in the middle period.
Galina Ulanova
Another Kolesnikov variety, which occupies a place of honor among the seven varieties of the World Lilac Collection. The corollas are simple, large, up to 27 mm in size, pure white. Petals are oval, elongated. The inflorescences are openwork, airy, very impressive when fully bloomed, reaching a length of 220 - 240 mm. Lilac Galina Ulanova is distinguished by extremely abundant flowering, occurring at the end of spring - beginning of summer.
Polina Osipenko
This Kolesnikov lilac, which blooms profusely in late spring, is of particular decorative value. The buds are lilac-pinkish, round in shape. It blooms with large double flowers about 25 mm in diameter, consisting of three corollas with pointed petals. The color of the flowers is white, with pink, purple and blue notes. Small panicles form inflorescences measuring 200x130 mm.Bouquets of this variety do not wither for a long time.
Varieties of Kolesnikov lilac with purple and blue flowers
Memory of Kirov, Blue, Morning of Moscow, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Paul Robeson - these are only some of the popular varieties with purple and blue inflorescences. Their beauty and tenderness fascinate true connoisseurs of nature.
Memory of Kirov
This result of the work of Leonid Kolesnikov is also considered one of the world's best varieties of lilac, however, despite its particular sophistication and beauty, it is rarely found among amateur gardeners. The shrub has large double flowers reaching a size of 28 mm. Due to the fact that the lower corolla has a dark purple and blue color, and the two upper ones are lighter, with a silver tint, the flowers acquire volume and a peculiar glow. The buds are no less interesting - they are dark purple and have a unique chestnut hue. The shrub blooms at the end of May and has a long flowering period.
Blue
As the name suggests, this lilac has an unusual color - it is blue with a lilac tint. The corolla is simple, about 25 mm in size, with a visible white star in the center. Has a light delicate aroma. The petals are elongated, with a slight point at the end. Flowers form pyramidal panicles of medium density and large size. Blooms in late May.
Morning of Moscow
This lilac is a double lilac. The flower consists of 3–4 corollas. It has a pinkish-lilac, light tone with a delicate pearlescent tint. Diameter about 23 mm. Half-opened flowers are spherical in shape; when fully bloomed, they resemble polyanthus roses. Their feature is the slow opening of the buds. Inflorescences are conical, elongated, less often cylindrical. Blooms moderately from late spring to early summer.
P.P. Konchalovsky
This is another lilac bred by Kolesnikov, from the collection of the best varieties of the world. Double flowers bloom from deep purple buds. The flowers are especially large, more than 30 mm in diameter, formed by 4 corollas. Wide, round petals are colored bluish-lilac, but can be pure blue. The blueness intensifies in the center of the corolla. As the petals open, they curl outward. This variety has a faint pleasant aroma. Heavy large inflorescences reach a length of 300 mm. The culture is characterized by abundant flowering in the middle period.
Komsomolskaya Pravda
One of Kolesnikov's rare lilacs. Double lilac-purple flowers with a pinkish tint have 2-3 corollas. The outer petals are darker. Diameter about 22 mm. The petals are oval-shaped, slightly pointed at the edges. Due to the petals curving inward, a fully open flower resembles a ball. Large inflorescences are formed by panicles in the shape of narrow pyramids. The variety blooms profusely and for a long time, starting from the end of May.
Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya
This variety is distinguished by simple lilac-cornflower blue corollas. Flowers up to 25 mm in diameter. The petals are round, slightly curved; in bright sunshine you can see flickering reflections. The buds are small, purple in color with hints of violet. The inflorescences are lush, airy, large. The panicles are wide, conical in shape. The aroma has hints of vanilla. Flowering is abundant, long-lasting, starting at the end of May.
Paul Robson
This variety is interesting for its light purple flowers with a blue tint. The diameter of simple corollas is about 30 mm, the edges of wide, almost round petals with sharp tips are curved inward.Dense inflorescences are formed by one pair of pyramidal panicles, up to 180–200 mm long. Flowering is quite abundant and occurs in the middle period.
Lilac varieties with pink inflorescences
Lilacs with pink inflorescences are no less amazing than bright specimens, and therefore deserve a more detailed study.
Kolesnikov Olympics
This variety of common lilac is dedicated to the breeder’s wife, Olympiada Nikolaevna Kolesnikova, who fully shared his passion. It is distinguished by large double flowers of a warm pink hue. They consist of 2–3 corollas, the outer row of which is darker in color. The panicles contrast effectively with the elongated buds of a darker, purplish-violet color. The petals are round, slightly elongated, curled toward the center in the upper part, and curved in the lower part. The inflorescences are formed by a pair of panicles about 250 mm long. Blooms profusely from May to June. The description and photo of lilac Olimpiada Kolesnikov cannot fully convey the charm of this variety.
Daughter Tamara
The variety is dedicated to Kolesnikov’s daughter. The culture is recognized by its bright pink flowers opening from elongated lilac buds. The petals are diamond-shaped, with sharp tips, and bent outward when fully opened. Large inflorescences are formed by two pairs of wide panicles of a pyramidal shape. Flowering is abundant and long lasting, occurring in the mid-late period.
Hydrangea
This is a Kolesnikov variety, named because of the resemblance to hydrangea, which is given to it by its rounded petals that bend back. The flowers are large (more than 20 mm), simple, pink-purple. The inflorescences are large, lush, about 300x300 mm in size, formed by 2–3 pairs of panicles in the shape of wide pyramids.The variety has an aroma that intensifies significantly in the heat. Blooms at the beginning of the third decade of May. Blooming profusely occurs every two years.
I. V. Michurin
Lilac with double, semi-closed flowers formed by three close corollas. The petals are elongated, slightly bent. The coloring is uniform and delicate. As it blooms, the lilac-pink color changes to bluish-white. The average size is about 25 mm. The inflorescences are large and drooping. This mid-early variety blooms at the beginning of the second ten days of May and is characterized by particularly long flowering.
Kolesnikov varieties from the “military” series
Victory Day is not complete without flowers, and the most popular in May are lilac branches collected in huge bouquets. Representatives of the “military” series are just as interesting as other varieties.
Valentina Grizodubova
This variety of terry lilac is distinguished by an even dark or light pink color with a pearlescent tint. The petals are graceful, pointed, curving, making the inflorescences look especially elegant. Flower size up to 25 mm. The buds are lilac-pink. Large oval inflorescences have an average density. It blooms extremely profusely from the last days of May.
Alexey Maresyev
The main feature of this variety, bred by Kolesnikov, is its long, narrow, propeller-shaped petals. Purple-violet buds open into large, up to 27 mm in diameter, purple flowers with a blue and purple tint. 2–3 pairs of panicles are collected in erect inflorescences of medium density. The culture has a specific strong odor. Flowering is abundant and occurs in the middle period.
Captain Gastello
Spectacular, but less common variety.The lilac-purple buds are characterized by a slow opening. Large flowers (more than 25 mm in diameter) change from a purple tone, characteristic of the beginning of flowering, to purple and blue during the period of complete dissolution. The elongated petals are helically twisted and resemble a propeller. The panicles are light, graceful, 2–3 pairs form inflorescences. Blooms profusely from late May.
Marshal Vasilevsky
At the beginning of flowering, the color is dominated by lilac-pink tones; when the inflorescences are fully opened, they acquire a beautiful pink tint. The flowers are large, double, formed by three corollas with pointed petals of a rounded shape. The upper row of petals curved inwards is lighter than the lower one, which is why the lilac acquires a special depth of color. This shrub blooms in the middle period.
Marshal Zhukov
A variety with a spectacular dark color. Produces deep purple buds. The flowers are simple, large, up to 30 mm, distinguished by a deep purple tone with a red-purple tint. The petals have the shape of a wide oval, and bend down slightly before complete flowering. 2–3 pairs of large panicles of a wide pyramidal shape form large openwork inflorescences. The Marshal Zhukov lilac blooms profusely, starting from the last days of May.
Conclusion
Kolesnikov’s lilac is not just a collection of varieties bred by a great breeder-enthusiast, it is a truly unusual phenomenon in the world of ornamental gardening. It is no coincidence that its amazing original varieties have gained recognition among lilac connoisseurs all over the world and interest in them is constantly growing. The author of Russian Lilac inspired many followers; varieties of common lilac named Pamyat Kolesnikov and Leonid Kolesnikov were named in his honor.
