A common lilac tree growing in the United States, Syringa vulgaris is a shrub that produces pretty clusters of fragrant flowers. These plants are often used as ornamental specimens and can be kept small enough to fit in containers if pruned regularly.
Common lilac shrubs (Syringa vulgaris) are deciduous shrubs that bloom in spring. Lilacs can live up to 50 years in the ground.
Lilac trees are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Lilacs are slow-growing evergreens that generally reach between 2 to 7 feet, but they sometimes grow as tall as 20 feet and have a spread of 6 to 10 feet. They
The outstanding quality of many species of lilacs is its soft fragrance. Approximately 1/3 of the flower is across the flowers and the leaves are gray- to blue-green in color and reach a total length from 2 to 5 inches.
They never change colors in the fall. Their average annual rate is one to two feet per year. The perfect time to plant Lilac shrubs is in early fall before the ground freezes.
They need to be planted in full sun, well-drained soil, and regularly pruned. If you wish to plant more than one lilac shrub. Plant them about 5′ apart.
An important fact is that lilacs are not deer resistant at all. So if you live in an area where they are a problem it might be better for you to go with another bush or flower.
You can start growing from seeds but bear in mind that the flowers will not smell as good as those of a mature Lilac shrub so I would only recommend doing that just for fun or if you do not already have any mature ones nearby then this could be a great way for you to grow your own without spending money on buying one.
Planting & Care For Lilac Tree
Planting: This plant can tolerate partial or full sunshine. In warmer climates, they like to be planted in the afternoon shade in order to protect them from hot weather conditions.
Fertilize Lilacs in spring before Spring Blooming for growth. When watering is finished and cover an area with mulch to cover the rooted roots and preserve moisture.
Pruning: The Lilies don’t need much pruning other than the removal of damaged or crossing branches. All you need to do is remove any dead branches. You should prune it in the fall or early spring because if you prune it later than that it will start growing again for the next season and it will look out of place with your shrub’s shape.
The reason why people are always advised not to prune Lilacs were found to be inconsistent growth patterns and potential damage from ice crystals that frequently form on the ends of pruned twigs. They also have sharp spurs on their canes which can pierce your skin when handled improperly.
Deactivate any old flowers promptly to increase the occurrence of flowers in later seasons. A 10-10-10 or a full-service fertilizer is sufficient.
Lilac Tree Varieties
The Manchurian Lila climbs anywhere from 8′ to 12 feet (4′ to 3.7). It grows in a dense arrangement that not requires annual pruning. Meyer Lilacs is another great thickly branched choice of shrub and bush lilac.
Lilacs and bush can be divided into two categories: the large upright and densely branched varieties of flowers with small space. The small-sized shrub variety is also called “ground cover” lilacs, or “miniature.”
Lilas comes in a wide range of colors and fragrances but also comes widely in colors, fragrances, and flowers. The Lilian Manchurian and Meyer varieties are special for display flower spheres.
How do I get lilacs to bloom?
Lack of sunlight is often the reason for the poor bloom of lilacs. Light moist soil helps to ensure broader bloom formation.
Mulching around the shrub can help to retain soil moisture and inhibit weeds that could compete with lilac.
These blooms last just two days but they should appear again on a wholesome plant that is properly cultivated and watered every year.
To enjoy a longer time for blooming consider planting multiple lilac varieties that flower at different times such as the blooming months the year before you see.
Propagating Lilac Tree
Most Liliana’s are cluster-building plants in which plants grow by slitting shoots extending from the trunk.
To propagate, remove a 2-year-old shoot of the desired variety. Cut it into lengths at least 10 inches long. Dip in rooting powder and set them about 3/4 of an inch deep in a mixture of peat moss or sand enriched with composted manure, potting soil, and bone meal (1:1:2 or 1:2:2). Keep them consistently moist but not wet for 2 to 4 weeks. Then place pots where there is partial shade until they develop roots from the lower half. Plant out when this happens.
And if you want to grow lilacs from seed then consider these steps; sow seeds as soon as possible after harvesting Lilac blooms because their viability decreases rapidly. Consistently keep them moist (but not wet) until germination, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in flats or pots, and cover with an inch of soil or peat moss. Fertilize lightly after the third leaf appears using a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus. Transplant after 4 months when they have 2 leaves to individual containers that are 6 inches across.
The best time for propagation in late spring to early summer gives the shoot time to establish prior to the cold weather.
Clippings taken in early summer will result in new plants that are not as strong because they do not have time to establish before winter.
The best place for lilac bushes is a place with bright but indirect sunlight and moist but well-drained soil.
If you want to grow your own lilacs then try using these tips above on how to plant, water, and prune them.
To propagate cut the stem from the main plant to maintain the roots intact. Then plant the shoot wherever you wish and keep its soil mostly moisture (but not soggy) at all times until the plant has adapted. It also prevents existing lilac bushes of crowded plants from growing.
Pruning Lilac Tree
The right time to prune is just after the flowering process – as lilacs on an older wood flower. Reduce branches to thin the growth and keep the height of the shrub in a control range.
Cut the oldest branches to the ground to avoid making any major flower producers more, but don’t trim more than a third of the total branches. Remove a weak branch if necessary and prune it carefully.
Cutting old sections as they won’t be a strong producer and by cutting a 5-year-old branch it will be a strong producer.
Lilacs with little pruning usually flower well because of the crowding they made them produce nonstop flowers rather than being shaded by other branches.
Mulching can prolong the life of Lilac bushes and reduce stress as they conserve moisture and reduces disease from soil-borne pathogens, lilacs that fail to bloom or have poor blooms often have been damaged during transplantation or were planted in an area with inadequate soil drainage.
The best time to start a lilac is fall, but if you are purchasing one at a nursery now, do not put it outside until after there has been no threat of frost for quite some time.
Keep the new plant in a protected area for two weeks, then gradually expose it to full sun; do this slowly so the plant does not get burned or have it’s flowering inhibited.
Well-drained soil is very important as lilac can become damaged by standing water or poorly-draining soils. Adding compost also brings good drainage and fertility to your plants but does not apply too much fertilizer due to the risk of burning your plants’ roots.
It comes with a long taproot that makes it easy for them to find moisture in dry conditions.
Plant one in an area where there are few trees, shrubs, or other tall plants because they will compete for pollination resources. Lilacs grow best in partial shade
Growing Lilac Tree from Seeds
Lilacs are propagated by seeds. You should seed the tree when they are in their baby phase of spring to early summer.
Planting instructions: you should firstly assess the soil of your region in order to plant a shrub that is well-suited for its environment.
You will also be required to provide proper conditions for growth by providing adequate watering and sunlight as well as ample room and space, but not too much competition with other plants or bushes around them.
The lilac becomes fully grown about one year after planting which could take up to five years depending on what kind of shrub variety you had planted and it is ready to be harvested or picked when it reaches full bloom and your flowers are ready to harvest.
Keep in mind that two to three years after a plant is picked, it will not produce any new bloom unless you replant the seeds of another stalk or branch from an existing plant again and therefore should regularly trim them when they begin fruit production.
Keep these plants well maintained by removing dead branches as needed. You will only be required to fertilize twice a year once during the growing season and then again before the flowering season begins or alternatively use a good slow-release organic fertilizer for the longer life expectancy of your shrubs.
Trimming lilacs every spring helps keep their shape and promotes healthy growth throughout the seasons. A waist-high lilac hedge makes easily one of the most beautiful features gardeners can have in their landscape.
Lilac tree need some maintenance to keep them healthy and producing flowers. One major factor for proper health is watering Lilacs weekly at the beginning of spring after they have been planted for one year.
This will help promote the growth of new branches, but not too much as to overwhelm a young plant with foliage.
New branches are especially important in keeping lilacs looking healthy and beautiful since older withered woody stems tend to look less attractive over time – though these too can be pruned off regularly for a tidier look if needed.
Plant mulch around the base of your plants (at least 2-3 inches thick) to retain moisture in their soil from summer rains and prevent weed invasion into your lilac’s roots. Weed and grass removal around the base of your lilac will also help keep bugs away from producing new branches that are vital for a healthy plant.
Cuttings
If you want to achieve the same look of your shrub, then prune them in a similar manner. Some varieties grow very well from cuttings that are slightly immature and stem cutting with three or four leaves.
Branches that are tightly wound should be soaked in water for a few minutes before planting. Make sure to only take the best shots from your plants at any time and leave others to grow.
Seasonal Care Tips
The lilac tree should be kept trimmed but they need not be sheared because it is an evergreen flower bush.
Fertilizing lilac every year helps pollination and blooming if it has low nitrogen content and higher phosphorus content such as a 10-10-10 or full-service fertilizer.
It also takes time for new shoots to become established so leave plenty of growing space between plants – at least 4 feet apart. Avoid crowding your shrubs by planting them in the open area where they can grow freely with plenty of light and airflow.
Potential Problems and Solutions:
The main pests you will encounter is “Lilac Blight.” These pests are most active in spring and fall during warm weather before blooming and cool weather before new growth starts; Lilac blooms may be destroyed by this disease.
This bacteria infects plants when winter temperatures drop below freezing but the plant was not properly hardened off in time – the ideal condition for this blight to infected your lilacs.
Fungicides can be applied by spraying regular water or insecticidal soap on leaves and stems with a covering of at least 20-30 minutes after 3:00 pm in early spring and late fall when most lilac blooms are actively growing or about to begin blooming. In addition, you must remove all dead growth, branches, twigs, shrub clippings, cuttings from where they had been stored previously as well as prune away the affected parts that is already dying.
Be sure to use care when applying any kind of chemical treatment especially pesticide intended for plants since it may kill more than just the insects that were intended for extermination.
