How do I know what kind of lilac tree/bush to plant?

Hi Shello, it really depends on the zone you live in and, even more specifically, your soil right where you are. I would find a locally owned green house to call and get some advice from. Folks who have lived there and grown plants there their whole lives will be able to tell you exactly what you need :)

The best way to know what is the hardest for your area would be to go to a trusted actual greenhouse, not a big box store with a garden department. They know the area and will be able to tell you what would be the best. You may have a few to choose from, so you can pick the one you want and know they have been well cared for and will be able to tell you what you can do to amend your soil for the best results and how often to fertilize, etc.

I have had a lot of success with dwarf lilac bushes. Every year they are loaded with flowers and butterflies! This is despite the fact that nearly every winter the wild rabbits trim them for me by eating off all the lower branches or any branch they can reach. My regular lilac bushes don't do well. I don't have flowers every year and when I do there are very few. It has taken them years to get bigger and I have lost all hope of having a beautiful row of regular blooming lilac bushes. Consider the dwarf variety! Mine are approximately 5 to 6 feet tall so they do grow taller than you would think. Here's an article for you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/dwarf-lilac-varieties.htm

Hello, Where you are located might be a determining factor.

That would help determine the best lilac shrub variety to suggest. Most plants success depend on their hardness to geographic planting zones presenting weather conditions. This information could give us more clue to give you the best suggestions for plant success!

Additionally for the best local professional advice I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.

Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.

Lilacs are one of my favorite shrubs sadly they dont preform well in my zone 7 best wishes on finding the perfect plant.

I want to add my opinion on the preferred location to plant the lilacs in your yard. I have a fantastic white lilac bush, described at the nursery as Korean Lilac. Unfortunately, either they didn't warn me or I didn't study enough. I planted it at the corner of my house. It was good a couple years, but then got bigger, and bigger, and bigger . . . I've trimmed it every year, but it still grows up to the roof. I may have to remove it as I'm concerned that the roots could damage our foundation slab. Another lilac bush I have is rather petite, never more than 5 feet tall, but I planted it next to the step up to our deck; it gets too bushy & tends to cover the step. Also, lilacs bloom for such a short time, so you might want to consider planting your bush where it can be seen & enjoyed most often, even from inside your house.