Just keep them well hydrated and out of the sun.......they should recover. But unless it is one of the newer varieties bred for warmer climates, you should be aware that common lilacs, Syringa vulgaris, won't do very well in Texas.

Thank you, gardengal48! This one called Josee Reblooming lilac. It says recommed region for 2-9 zones. I put them in a pot for now cause I don’t think will go better to plant them in ground right now due to such high temperature. Wish they can make it through. I really love lilac....thanks again!

That type - a hybrid - will do much better for you in a mild winter/hot summer climate than the common lilac. Still with a great fragrance but much smaller flower clusters on a relatively dwarf plant.

I never order from online nurseries when it is above 80-85 degrees for this reason. I will check the 10 day forecast before I "submit". good luck with rehydrating them. I would even bring them inside during next weeks bump up to the above 100's.

You are right “wantonamara”, it is not good idea order them online during this hot time of season. I just can’t find them in local store. :(

1. Do not order anything when the heat index is +100. 2. Do not attempt to grow lilac in Texas. If you like the look but want the tree to live, grow Vitex instead.

3. Do not plant said Vitex until October at the earliest.

The shrubby lilacs will tolerate heat and drought much better than an old fashioned lilac - Syringa persica, meyeri and pubescens are all recommended for Southern gardens. 'Josee' is hybrid involving the parentage of meyeri and pubescens.

Pot up your current plants in containers and keep in mostly shade until "safe" to plant in your area.

"Southern" Gardens do not normally mean "Texas" Gardens unless you are in East Texas.... I see 105 and 4 days of 104 and a 103 in my 10 day forecast ....and no rain, NADA. This is not even June. There is a reason why you do not see this plants in our nurseries. I planted a Syringia persica back in the '80's before I knew better. It died , even planted in improved clay humous and watered through the summer after its first winter. Please prove us wrong. Maybe I was a bad gardener. I did notice that where I bought it never brought it in again . The owner of "Gardens" was a renowned gardener, nation wide, and designed gardens internationally for the well healed and famous. I think he is situated in Santa Fe now.

Mara is spot on. I'd exemplify a Southern garden as the garden I left behind in Oxford, MS. Half of its species would have zero chance of surviving in Austin.

Thank you everybody. Good suggestion. I’m just gardener beginner, everything is new to me. A lot to learn! :)

When I moved to Austin I refused to believe I couldn't bring my flowering dogwoods with me. Was I in for a rude awakening.

Many of the regulars on this forum have years of invaluable experience they'll be glad to share with you re tried-and-true species and the best way to grow them. Mara, Ragna and Omar in particular have proven it's possible to transform a harsh climate into gorgeous landscapes.

Actually , I am a proven plant killer since the environ that I garden is very rough and marginal. BUT I do recommend going to The Natural gardener and taking some of their free classes. They have a wealth of experience and are very free with their knowledge. I do not know where you are in Austin because that will make a huge difference to your plant possibilities. I see guys in East Astin doing in-ground camellias which are impossible west of Austin. I also recommend you taking a garden tour to see what is possible here. There are some good ones coming up in the fall this year ( Inside Austin Garden tour. Austin Pond Society has a tour at a private garden this thursday Evening (RSVP). A garden designed by Peter Fluery and Scot Ogden. Very Tempting. The Pond Society is also doing a tour this coming weekend during the 105 weather, but it is a members only thing but you can join. OH, the sunday Westlake pond tour is open to the public. It is also a night tour besides a day tour too. What I am saying is that during this TOO hot to garden time , go look at what is thriving in the heat and make note of the species . They will be your friend. Learn what you need to do to your soil . Don't touch your garden as far as digging and planting till October. Spend your time going to Zilker, Lady Bird Johson Wildflower Center,, other gardens. Look around your neighborhood and go to independent nurseries. Buy a book about gardening in Austin and read. It is different. Believe me, it is different. Changing your expectations now will save you disappointing pain and money in the long run.

Excellent advice from Mara! I'd also recommend the Central Texas Gardener show on KLRU-TV and their website. http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/

I sure agree that where you are in Austin makes an enormous difference in what you can grow. Different areas have different soils and kinds of rocks, can be colder in winter, hotter in summer, etc.

And if you do succeed in making that lilac bloom I for one would be thrilled. Before we moved to Texas my garden was in Lombard, IL - home of a lovely annual Lilac Festival and I sure miss them.
Annie

I've never tried to plant them, because a dear friend years ago down in Galveston, who was perhaps the most talented gardener I have ever known, tried them 4-5 times and they failed for him every single time. I do love them though. Sigh.