How To Grow Lilacs: Frangrant Flowers

These fragrant, hardy harbingers of spring come in a variety of sizes and flower colors.

Durable on the inside, beautiful and fragrant on the outside – Lilac gives you the best of both worlds! Many gardeners consider lilacs to be the official sign of spring and a true joy after a long, cold winter. This lilac growing guide covers all the important details you need to know to enjoy as many lilac flowers as possible!

Whether it’s seeing lilacs on the Easter table or the smell of grandma’s perfume, I feel like everyone has some kind of nostalgia for lilacs. Lilac is a traditional flower that never seems to go out of style!

Where to plant lilacs

Since lilacs come in many different sizes, from dwarf lilacs to tree lilacs, it’s crucial to match the variety to the space available in your garden. However, what all lilacs have in common is that they require full sun and moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH around 7.0). Lilacs are hardy shrubs that grow better in cooler climates than hot ones.

Lilacs can be grown singly, in groups or rows, or even as a privacy hedge.

How and when to plant lilacs

Lilacs can be planted in spring or fall, which is the best option since warm soil favors root growth.

Dig a hole that is at least twice the diameter of the pot and about 3 inches deep. Place the root ball into the hole and spread out the roots. Fill in the original soil. Cover the surrounding soil and water well.

The distance depends on the species; it can range from 5 feet for small species to 15 feet for large lilac species.

Lilac care tips,

Light
For best results, most lilacs, including common lilacs, dwarf lilacs, and tree lilacs, grow best in full sun. Common lilacs can tolerate partial shade, but this means fewer blooms. Shady areas can also promote powdery mildew, a common disease of lilacs.

soil and water

The planting site should have well-drained, evenly moist, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Once established, lilacs can withstand dry conditions.

temperature and humidity

Lilacs are very hardy shrubs that can grow into zone 2. One problem that can arise in cold climates is damage to flower buds (that have formed the previous year) during warm periods in early spring and subsequent frost periods. ) may be killed by frost.

These plants are not suitable for hot climates above zone 8. A very humid climate is also problematic because it provides ideal conditions for the spread of powdery mildew.

Fertilizer

Once a year, in early spring, before new growth begins, fertilize lilacs with a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer, preferably a slow-release granular fertilizer. Too much fertilizer will reduce flowering.

How to Prune

Regular pruning of lilac shrubs is important to increase air circulation within the plant. Lilacs bloom on old wood. Therefore, pruning should be done after the spring flower show. Dead, diseased or broken branches can be pruned year-round.

Repotting and repotting lilacs,

With the exception of dwarf lilac varieties, lilacs are too tall and wide to be grown in containers; the best place for them is in the landscape. To grow dwarf lilacs in containers, choose a heavy pot that won’t tip over easily, such as terra cotta. Make sure it has large drainage holes. Fill it with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Remember, unlike ground lilacs, container plants require frequent watering.

How to propagate lilacs

Lilac shrubs spread freely through buds around the base of the plant, so you won’t have any problems with propagation. Dig up the shoots in late spring or early summer, making sure the roots are intact. Separate the shoots from the main plant and transplant them into a container filled with moist potting soil or directly into garden soil.

You can sprinkle the bottom third with rooting hormone powder, but it’s not necessary. However, it is important to keep the buds moist at all times. After a few weeks to a few months, you should see new growth, which is a sign that new roots are forming.