Syringa vulgaris (common lilac bushes) are spring-blooming deciduous shrubs. Ash trees, forsythia bushes, and privet hedges are all ornamental plants that belong to the olive family. In many lilac varieties, the sweet scents of their flowers make them stand out. Panicle-like clusters of flowers appear. Only one-third of an inch is covered by each bloom. There is no fall color change in the leaves which are gray-green or blue-green in color and measure between 2 and 5 inches long. This shrub’s bark is gray to brown in color. Before the ground freezes, early fall is the ideal time to plant lilac bushes. They grow between one and two feet per year.
Affectionately known as “Lilac,” this
Plants like common lilac bushes are beautiful enough to be used as specimens in the landscape. Planting them in rows along property lines and trimming them into loose hedges is also common. The ‘Miss Kim’ cultivar and the even more compact ‘Bloomerang’ lilac shrub, both of which are dwarf shrubs, are both small enough to be used as foundation plantings.
Lilacs don’t need a lot of attention once they’ve established themselves. They prefer annual fertilization and only require watering during prolonged periods of drought. Pruning is also a yearly chore.
Light
Lilac bushes need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive in full sun. This is the best environment for growing them. While lilacs can tolerate some shade, their blooms can be hampered by a lack of light. Full shade is not ideal for them.
Soil
The ideal soil for lilac bushes is rich, loamy, well-drained, and pH neutral. Clay soil can be tolerated by them, but their growth may be hindered.
Water
Lilacs prefer soils that are moist but not soggy. Soggy soil, on the other hand, can cause root rot and subpar flowering. Keep the soil slightly moist around young lilacs by watering them frequently. The watering needs of mature plants are limited to periods of drought.
Humidity and Temperature
In order to grow well, lilac bushes need summers that are not too hot. They should not be used in areas with high humidity, such as the southern states of the United States. When there is a lot of moisture in the air, fungi can thrive. The flower buds and stems of lilacs can be damaged and even broken by bitter cold winds, but they can tolerate temperatures well below freezing.
Fertilizer
A spring feeding of lilac bushes, especially if your soil is poor, can be beneficial. However, avoid using a high-nitrogen fertilizer, which can harm the blooming of your plants. Instead, follow the directions on the label of a balanced fertilizer.
Varieties of Lilacs
Wedgewood Blue: When fully grown, ‘Wedgewood Blue’ only reaches a height of 6 feet and a spread of the same. Thick lavender-blue clusters enclose the flowers. Zones 3 to 8 are the best for growing it.
Yankee Doodle: New York Yankee Doodle is a small lilac bush that produces deep purple, fragrant blooms that can be grown in zones 2 through 8. It can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet and widths of 5 to 6 feet.
Belle de Nancy: An 8 to 10 foot tall and 6 to an 8-foot wide variety of this plant has double pink flowers (multiple petals). In late spring and early summer, it blooms and can be grown in zones 3 to 9.
Madame Lemoine: This lilac variety, which can grow up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, is known for its bright white double flowers. All the way from zone 3 to zone 8.
Primrose: An average-sized lilac, the primrose is between 10 and 15 feet tall and 6 or wider. Lilac’s well-known sweet scent permeates its yellow flowers, which make it stand out. Zones 3 through 7 can use it.
Pruning
Prune lilacs regularly to encourage flowering and to keep powdery mildew and other pests at bay. Because lilacs flower on old wood, the best time to prune is right after the flowers have finished blooming. Trim the shrub’s growth to promote better air circulation and to maintain a manageable height. Don’t remove more than a third of the total number of branches from the tree, as the oldest branches are no longer strong flower producers. Pruning out weak or damaged branches is also a good idea.
Growing Lilacs from Seed
Lilac plants are known for their rapid growth. Lilacs, like other flowering plants, tend to form dense clumps that spread outward from the main stem. These new shoots can also be used to multiply the species. In addition to saving money, this method keeps the existing lilac bush from becoming overcrowded. Late spring to early summer is the best time to propagate because the shoot will have time to establish itself before the cold weather arrives.
Simple cutting from the main plant with roots intact is all that is required for propagation. After that, you can replant the shoot wherever you like in rich soil, but make sure to keep the soil moist (but not soggy) until it becomes established.
Pests and Diseases of the Plant Kingdom
Because of their hardiness, lilac shrubs can withstand a variety of pest and disease pressures. They are, however, vulnerable to a wide range of things. Powdery mildew is a common fungus that affects lilacs, particularly in humid summers. On the leaves, it creates white powdery patches. Powdery mildew can be combated using chemical fungicides or organic remedies. You should treat your lilac as soon as possible to prevent the spread of fungal disease, even if the disease is not fatal. Scales and borers are two common pests that can harm lilacs and their foliage. Treat your plant with neem oil or another insecticide if you spot these tiny insects on the stems and undersides of leaves.
Getting Lilacs to Flower
There are many varieties of lilacs, and the exact timing of their blooming can vary greatly from year to year. The tiny four-lobed flowers in the conical clusters have an exceptionally sweet scent. Blooms on healthy plants may only last a few weeks, but they will return year after year. No need to remove the spent blooms or deadheading. Consider planting multiple lilac varieties that bloom at different times for a longer blooming period.
A lilac’s poor flowering is often due to a lack of sunlight. A day’s worth of monitoring will ensure that your lilac does not become overshadowed. A well-watered soil also promotes a more robust bloom. Soil moisture retention and weed suppression are two benefits of mulching around the lilac.
Problems with Lilacs
Plants like lilac shrubs aren’t usually a hassle to grow in the yard. However, there are a few common problems that they may face.
Inadequate Blooming
It may be necessary to prune a lilac that isn’t flowering as much as it used to. After the bloom period has ended, prune out a third of the trees’ oldest branches. Make sure to remove half the old branches after they’ve finished flowering in the following year. Afterward, in the following year, cut down the last of the old branches. In a few years, they will be replaced by new branches with more vigorous flowering.
Leaves Change Color
Many things could cause the browning of lilac leaves. Browning leaves can be caused by a lack of water, particularly for young plants. Foliage can be damaged by too much fertilizer, as well as by prolonged exposure to extremely bright sunlight. However, bacterial blight is the most common cause of brown spots on leaves. When lilacs are grown in poor conditions, they are more likely to be infected by this disease. As a result, one of the most effective ways to treat the disease is to address its underlying causes. In addition, infected foliage should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the disease’s spread.
FAQ
Is caring for lilacs simple?
Lilacs that have been established for some time are generally low-maintenance. Pruning and fertilization, as well as watering during periods of drought, are common requirements for these plants.
Do lilacs grow quickly?
Lilacs grow at an average rate of one to two feet per year.
Where do lilac trees grow, and where do lilac shrubs grow?
There is no difference between a lilac bush and a tree. Lilac shrub is another name for the plant.
