Content
- 1 Kolesnikov's breeding activity
- 2 Variety of the Kolesnikov variety series
- 3 Lilac varieties with purple and bright purple flowers
- 4 White-flowered lilac
- 5 Varieties of lilac Kolesnikov with purple and blue flowers
- 6 Lilac varieties with pink inflorescences
- 7 Kolesnikov varieties from the "military" series
- 8 Conclusion
Kolesnikov's lilac or Russian lilac is a collection of varieties bred by the outstanding Russian breeder Leonid Alekseevich Kolesnikov.
Kolesnikov's breeding activity
Self-taught, Kolesnikov devoted his whole life to creating new varieties of this ornamental shrub. It is known that during his activity he has bred 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 found only in the collections of botanical gardens abroad.
Thanks to the work of Kolesnikov, Russian lilacs are widely known in the world. For example, the Galina Ulanova variety adorns the Botanical Garden of London Buckingham Palace, and Marshal Zhukov adorns the Royal Botanic Gardens in Canada. There are specimens of this shrub in the collections of the USA and other countries.
In Moscow, the peak of popularity of Leonid Kolesnikov's lilacs was in the middle of the twentieth century - it could be found in most parks, squares, boulevards, courtyards. Despite the recognition of Kolesnikov's outstanding contribution to the selection of lilacs, now in Moscow there are almost no unique shrubs left. Even on Sireneviy Boulevard, where he planted bushes with schoolchildren in the early 60s, there is almost none. It has survived 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 lilacs.
In 1973, 5 years after the death of Leonid Kolesnikov, the International Lilac Society awarded him the Golden Branch of Lilac Award.
Variety of the Kolesnikov variety series
Photos of varieties of lilacs created by Leonid Kolesnikov amaze the imagination with a variety of shades, sizes, shapes, structure of flowers and leave no one indifferent. Among the varieties bred there are purple, bright purple, white, purple, blue, pink. The well-known "military" series of Kolesnikov, dedicated to the heroes of the war. 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. Cornucopia, Pamir Summit, Laureate, Snowflake, Recognition. Even a photo has not survived from many varieties of Kolesnikov's lilacs.
Now interest in the heritage of the great breeder is reviving. Experts restore rare original varieties of Kolesnikov's lilac, photos with a description of many of them can be easily found in reference books.
Lilac varieties with purple and bright purple flowers
Violets and purples are eye-catching with their brightness. Lilacs of these colors are popular. A detailed description and photo of the varieties will allow you to choose the option you like.
Lenin's banner
The Lenin Banner bush blooms profusely in the last days of spring with simple flowers up to 25 mm in diameter. Purple-red buds with a violet tinge are large, have a spherical shape. In the half-release, they acquire a cherry hue, on the outside they have a purple-lilac color. The flowers are collected in a conical 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 are deep purple in color. When opened, they acquire a lighter shade. The flower is rounded, 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. Inflorescences are dense, 120–150 mm long, narrow 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, bloom from purple buds. Petals are oblong, voluminous, rounded at the tips. Flowers are collected in panicles, forming inflorescences. Sensation blooms from late May to mid-June. Moderate flowering.
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 blooming. The slightly concave petals are broadly oval and have raised edges. Inflorescences are formed by 2–3 pairs of dense rounded panicles with a narrow pyramidal shape. The variety is characterized by abundant flowering from the end of 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 medium terms.
Caprice
Lilac Caprice refers to terry. The lilac-pink buds are replaced by very fragrant flowers with a diameter of up to 20 mm and acquire a delicate mauve shade. Inflorescence-forming panicles, dense, erect. Flowering begins in late May and lasts approximately 3 weeks.
Kremlin chimes
The Kremlin chimes variety is distinguished by the fact that this abundantly flowering shrub acquires special beauty during the half-life period. Neighborhood of carmine-violet buds and large bright purple flowers with oval, helically curved petals creates an effect of special depth. Inflorescences are formed by a pair of large drooping pyramidal panicles. Variety Kremlin chimes refers to lilacs with an average flowering period.
Dawn of Communism
Large inflorescences are formed by a pair of wide-pyramidal panicles. Purple buds with a purple tint. The flowers are large, up to 33 mm, with elongated petals, spirally twisting when fully opened. The color is purple with a reddish tint, the center is violet. The lilac Dawn of Communism blooms in late May - early June, characterized by long flowering.
Dusk
The shrub acquires the greatest decorative effect in cloudy weather or at dusk, when its large flowers of rich purple color with a shade of blue seem velvety.The shape of the corolla is simple, the petals are rounded with pointed tips of a lighter shade. Has a bright aroma. Airy inflorescences of medium size, pyramidal, 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 varieties of purple lilacs in the world. The flowers are about 20 mm in size, the corolla forms 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 up to 100x200 mm in size. The color does not lose its saturation under the influence of the bright sun. The variety blooms moderately, the beginning of the appearance of inflorescences occurs 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, this is also evidenced by the photo of this amazing variety. In mid-May, snow-white double flowers with a diameter of about 30 mm with a pleasant aroma bloom from the buds of a creamy yellow shade. The oval petals of the inner rim are curved inward and give it a rose-like appearance. It is noteworthy that this form persists until the plant has flowered. The flowers are collected in lush panicles that make up the inflorescences. As follows from the description, this type 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, pale pink at the beginning of blooming, pure white by the end of flowering. Flowering is moderate, rather long, occurs in the middle.
Bride
Lilac Bride is rightfully considered a gem in Kolesnikov's collection. She is famous for abundant early flowering and especially touching modesty. The flowers are delicate, with a delicate refined aroma, pinkish-white, bloom from rich pink oval buds. Not fully open buds have a lilac-pink soft 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. Inflorescences are large, graceful, airy.
Soviet Arctic
A variety with double flowers, consisting of 2-3 corollas. Spirally curved petals are pointed at the edges. The lilac buds of the Soviet Arctic have a creamy shade, in full dissolution, white, large, about 25 mm, with a characteristic aroma. Panicles of medium density, wide, pyramidal, with gaps. The bush opens in medium terms.
Galina Ulanova
Another variety of Kolesnikov, which occupies an honorable place in the seven varieties of the World collection of lilacs. Corollas are simple, large, up to 27 mm in size, pure white. The petals are oval, elongated. The inflorescences are openwork, airy, very effective in full dissolution, reaching a length of 220 - 240 mm. Lilac Galina Ulanova is distinguished by extremely abundant flowering, which occurs in late spring - early summer.
Polina Osipenko
This Kolesnikov lilac, which blooms profusely in late spring, is of particular decorative value. The buds are lilac-pinkish, rounded. It blooms with large double flowers with a diameter of about 25 mm, consisting of three corollas with pointed petals.The color of the flowers is white, with pink, purple and blue notes. Small panicles form inflorescences 200x130 mm in size. Bouquets of this variety do not fade for a long time.
Varieties of lilac Kolesnikov with purple and blue flowers
Memory of Kirov, Golubaya, Moscow Morning, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Paul Robson - these are just 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, lilac with blue, color, and the two upper ones are lighter, with a silvery sheen, the flowers acquire volume and a peculiar glow. No less interesting are the buds - they are dark purple and have a unique chestnut shade. The shrub blooms at the end of May and is distinguished by long flowering.
Blue
As the name implies, this lilac has an unusual color - it is blue with a lilac tint. The corolla is simple, about 25 mm in size, with a white star in the center. Has a light delicate aroma. The petals are elongated, with a slight taper at the end. Flowers form pyramidal panicles of medium density and large size. Dissolves in the last days of May.
Moscow morning
This lilac is terry. The flower consists of 3-4 corollas. Has a mauve, light tone with a delicate pearlescent tint. Diameter about 23 mm. Semi-open flowers of a spherical shape, in full dissolution, resemble polyanthus roses. Their peculiarity is the slow opening of the buds. Inflorescences are conical, elongated, less often cylindrical. Blooms in moderation 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. Terry flowers bloom from rich purple buds. The flowers are especially large, more than 30 mm in diameter, formed by 4 corollas. The broad, rounded petals are tinged with a bluish-purple hue, but can be pure blue. Blueness intensifies in the center of the corolla. As it blooms, the petals are bent 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.
Komsomolskaya Pravda
One of Kolesnikov's rare lilacs. Double purple-purple flowers with a pinkish tinge have 2-3 corollas. The outer petals are darker. Diameter about 22 mm. The petals are oval, slightly pointed at the edges. Due to the petals bent inward, the fully open flower resembles a ball. Large inflorescences are formed by panicles in the form 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 rounded, slightly curved, in the bright sun you can see flickering highlights. The buds are small, purple in color with hints of a violet hue. The inflorescences are lush, airy, large. Panicles are wide, conical in shape. There are notes of vanilla in the aroma. Abundant flowering, long lasting, beginning at the end of May.
Paul Robson
This variety is interesting in lilac flowers of a light shade with a blue tint. The diameter of simple corollas is about 30 mm, the edges of wide, almost round petals with sharp tips are bent inward. Dense inflorescences are formed by one pair of pyramidal panicles, up to 180-200 mm long. Flowering is quite abundant, takes place in medium terms.
Lilac varieties with pink inflorescences
Lilacs with pink inflorescences are no less amazing than bright specimens, so they deserve a more detailed study.
Olympiada Kolesnikov
This variety of common lilac is dedicated to the breeder's wife Olimpiada Nikolaevna Kolesnikova, who fully shared his passion. Differs in large double flowers of a warm pink hue. They consist of 2-3 corollas, the outer row of which has a darker color. In panicles, they contrast effectively with elongated buds of a darker, purple-violet color. The petals are rounded, slightly elongated, twisted to the center in the upper part, curved in the lower part. The inflorescences are formed by a pair of panicles about 250 mm long. Blooms profusely from May to June. Description and photo of lilac Olympiada Kolesnikova cannot fully convey the charm of this variety.
Daughter Tamara
The variety is dedicated to Kolesnikov's daughter. They recognize the culture by the bright pink flowers that emerge from the elongated lilac buds. The petals are diamond-shaped, with sharp tips, in full disclosure, bent outward. Large inflorescences are formed by two pairs of wide pyramidal panicles. Flowering is abundant and long lasting, takes place in the middle late periods.
Hydrangea
This is a Kolesnikov variety, named because of the resemblance to hydrangea, which is given to it by rounded petals that bend back. The flowers are large (more than 20 mm), simple, pink-lilac. Inflorescences are large, lush, about 300x300 mm in size, formed by 2-3 pairs of panicles in the form of wide pyramids. The variety has a scent that increases significantly in the heat. It dissolves at the beginning of the third decade of May. Abundant flowering is observed every two years.
I. V. Michurin
Lilac with double, semi-closed flowers formed by three closely spaced corollas. Petals are elongated, slightly bent. The color is uniform, delicate. As it blooms, the lilac-pink color changes to bluish-white. Average size is about 25 mm. Inflorescences are large, drooping. This mid-early variety blooms at the beginning of the second decade of May and is distinguished by a particularly long flowering.
Kolesnikov varieties from the "military" series
Victory Day is not complete without flowers, and the most popular in the May period are lilac branches, collected in huge bouquets. Representatives of the "military" series are as interesting as other varieties.
Valentina Grizodubova
This type 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 graceful. Flower size up to 25 mm. The buds are lilac-pink. Large oval inflorescences are of medium density. Blooms extremely profusely from the last days of May.
Alexey Maresyev
The main feature of this variety, bred by Kolesnikov, is the narrow, long propeller-shaped petals. Purple-violet buds open into large, up to 27 mm in diameter, purple flowers with a blue and purple hue. 2-3 pairs of panicles are collected in erect inflorescences with an average density. The culture has a specific strong odor. Abundant flowering occurs in the middle period.
Captain Gastello
Spectacular, but rarely widespread variety. Lavender-purple buds are slow to open. Large flowers (more than 25 mm in diameter) change the 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. Panicles are light, graceful, 2-3 pairs form inflorescences. Blooms profusely from the end of May.
Marshal Vasilevsky
At the beginning of flowering, the color is dominated by lilac-pink tones, with full disclosure of the inflorescence they acquire a beautiful pink tint. The flowers are large, double, formed by three corollas with rounded pointed petals. The upper row of petals bent inward is lighter than the lower one, which makes the lilac acquire a special depth of color. The flowering of this shrub takes place in medium terms.
Marshal Zhukov
Variety with a spectacular dark color. Forms rich purple buds.The flowers are simple, large, up to 30 mm, distinguished by a deep purple tone with a red-purple tint. The petals are in the shape of a wide oval; before full flowering, they are slightly bent down. 2-3 pairs of large panicles of a wide pyramidal shape form large openwork inflorescences. 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 the great enthusiastic breeder, it is a truly unusual phenomenon in the world of ornamental gardening. It is no coincidence that its amazing original varieties have been recognized by connoisseurs of lilacs all over the world and interest in them is constantly growing. The author of Russian Lilac has inspired many followers; varieties of common lilac named Memory of Kolesnikov and Leonid Kolesnikov are named in his honor.
