Rochester, NY’s famous lilacs may not bloom in time for their namesake festival. Although lilacs can survive and flourish in extreme cold, Mark Quinn, Superintendent of Horticulture for Monroe County Park, fears that the severity of this past winter may prevent the flowers from reaching their peak before May 9, when the Rochester Lilac Festival begins.

“This year they’re a bit behind,” 13 Wham writes. “It’s just a wait and see at this point of how many trees will be in bloom.” The local lilacs, and others like them, are known for being especially vibrant and hardy. The Boomerang Lilac, for example, first blooms in spring; the buds blossom again from summer until the first frost. The popular lilac is relatively small, can be easily incorporated into most gardens, and deters deer. The rich, purple flower also attracts butterflies — something most homeowners welcome.

The lilacs will likely mature in time with some 70 or 80 degree weather during the day — and a few relatively warmer nights (reaching at least 50 degrees), Quinn adds.

The Lilac Festival begins on May 9 and runs until May 18. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year. “During the 10 day event 500,000 people enter Highland Park to kick off Spring,” 13 Wham explains. Admission is free. Patrons can enjoy fresh lilac blooms, lilac bundles available for sale, homemade wares, arts and crafts, unique foods, chocolate and wine tastings, live music, and more.