that is encouraging to hear. how is your 'little kim' doing? (how long have you had it and how much has it grown)
is that different than 'miss kim'? i am also zone 8 and have not had success with any of them.
i searched for 'excel' on-line and only found them offered at greer gardens through mail-order. do you know if they are offered locally?

I am so sorry I am so late getting back. My Little Kim does fine. It is about 3 x 3 or maybe a little bigger but I have had it for about eight years. It blooms fine and smells wonderful, just like the big lilacs.

I am going to get one of these in hopes it will give me the same result but grow a little larger. I love the look, color and fragrance of lilac.