On average, lilacs are not well suited for the southern climate. The only one I see offered in nurseries in my area is "Miss Kim" which apparently does okay in the south. I've not grown it so I can't back that up. I've seen another one called "Lavender Lady" which catalog descriptions claim that it does well here. Again, I've not tried it.

I've often wondered the same thing myself. Check out this month's edition of Southern Living magazine. There's a brief article (by Steve Bender I think) about several varities that will do OK here.

The April 07 Southern Living recommends three varieties. Problem is, I can't find the magazine right now.

Thanks! I just found the little article in my Southern Living. According to Steve, Lavender Lady, Blue Skies and White Angel Lilacs do well here in the Lower South. Order them from www.carrollgardens.com if you can't find them at the garden center.

I might have to try one out!

Thanks,
BcB

check out the link below for an older gardenweb discussion on the southern gardening forum.
one other thought i recall was the soil ph issue. have heard/read more than once that they prefer a more alkaline soil so, if that is true, you may want to try to make adjustments in that area.
if steve says "it's a go", then it probably is!

Here is a link that might be useful: lilac discussion