One sure sign that spring is here to stay is when the lilacs burst into gorgeous, fragrant bloom. And while many people are only familiar with common lilac (also called French lilac) shrubs that can grow to 15 feet or more, there are many more choices now than there were 50 years ago. Some re-blooming types even add beauty to the garden throughout the entire growing season.
Let us teach you how to select, plant, and grow your own lilacs.
How to Choose Lilacs
When you go plant shopping, you're most likely to run into the common lilac. There are many varieties and cultivars of this old stand-by, each producing fragrant spring flowers in shades of white, purple, pink, or even pairings of those colors. Common lilacs can get rangy and big, but are usually the most fragrant type of lilac.
New introductions of hybrids between the common lilac and other shrub-type lilacs have brought rebloomers to the garden center. Some of these newer varieties are a bit less fragrant, but they're smaller, bloom more than once during the growing season, and tend to have fewer problems with powdery mildew.
One other popular type of lilac is the tree lilac. It blooms with cream-colored flowers in midsummer and can grow to a height of about 20 feet. The tree lilac doesn't require much pruning, but remember that it is a tree, not a shrub.
All types of lilacs are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
Where to Plant Lilacs
The ideal spot to plant lilacs is in an area with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours per day)—give them too much shade and they may not bloom. Lilacs also like slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil.
When to Plant Lilacs
The best time to plant lilacs is in late fall before the ground freezes. The next best time to plant is in early spring after the ground thaws. Realistically, you're probably going to have to plant lilacs when you can find them at the garden center, and that's fine—they may just need more watering if you end up planting them during a warmer time of year.
How to Prepare the Soil for Planting Lilacs
Lilacs grow best in slightly alkaline (6.5 to 7.0 pH), moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter, so do a soil test before planting. If the pH is below 5.5, you'll need to add lime to increase it. Once you've achieved the right pH, it's time to prepare the soil. To get lilacs off to a nutrient-filled start, improve individual planting holes by blendingMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubswith the native soil in a 50:50 ratio. This garden soil also contains phosphorus and iron to encourage root growth and help prevent leaves from yellowing.
How to Plant Lilacs
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant's root ball.
- Drop aMiracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting Tabletinto the hole to get plants off to a strong start.
- Remove the plant from its container and set it in the hole. You want to make sure that the top of the root ball is about an inch above the soil level.
- Fill in around the root ball with the soil mixture, pressing on it to pack it firmly.
- Water deeply.
- To help keep soil moist and stop weeds from growing by blocking their access to sunlight, mulch the area you've just planted to a depth of 2 inches, taking care not to pile mulch up against the base of the plant.
How to Water Lilacs
After planting, check plants often and water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry, usually once or twice per week. Count to 10 while you water to make sure you're giving each lilac plant enough moisture. (Leaves will begin to droop if the plant is getting too dry.) Once plants have been in the ground for a couple of months, you can cut back to watering every other week. During the second growing season and beyond, lilacs won't need extra water unless your area hasn't seen rain for a month or more.
How to Feed Lilacs
After they've bloomed in the spring, feed lilacs withMiracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food(following label directions) to help grow strong roots. This plant food is chock-full of ingredients—like kelp, earthworm castings, feather meal, and bone meal—that feed the microbes in the soil, which in turn break down organic matter into nutrients for your plants.
How to Help Prevent Disease Problems with Lilacs
The biggest issue with lilacs—especially common lilacs—is powdery mildew. The best way to avoid this? Buy and plant powdery mildew-resistant lilac varieties (check the plant tag or online description). It also helps to plant lilacs where there's plenty of air circulation. Don't bother spraying to control this fungal disease, as it will eventually go away on its own.
How to Deadhead Lilacs
Once young lilacs begin to flower (be patient—this may take a few years!), take time to deadhead by cutting off faded flowers off at the base right after they begin to wilt and fade. This will encourage the plant to put more energy into forming new flower buds for the following spring.
How to Prune Lilacs
Newer, smaller varieties of lilacs need less pruning than the large common lilacs, but all lilacs will grow better and produce more flowers with occasional pruning. Here are some options:
If you have an older lilac shrub that isn't blooming even though it's getting plenty of sun, cut it down to 8 inches above the ground in late winter (March or April), then let it grow out. The following March, select the best-looking 8 to 10 stems and cut them back by half. Cut the rest to the ground. You should see new blooms the following year.
To rejuvenate shrubs that aren't blooming well without cutting the entire shrub to the ground, selectively remove 1/3 of the branches all the way back to the ground each year.
Prune for size by cutting back branches immediately after the shrub finishes flowering.
How to Grow Lilacs: Recap
- Choose lilacs that will grow well in the space you have available.
- Prepare the soil by addingMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs.
- Plant lilacs in full sun in moist, well-drained soil.
- Feed lilacs in spring withMiracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage shrubs to set more blooms for the following season.
- Prune to encourage blooming.
As a seasoned horticulturist with a deep passion for botanical beauty, I find great joy in sharing my expertise on the enchanting world of lilacs. Having spent countless hours immersed in the cultivation and care of these fragrant blossoms, I can confidently guide you through the nuances of selecting, planting, and nurturing your own lilac garden.
The article you provided offers valuable insights into the realm of lilacs, covering various aspects from choosing the right type to proper planting and maintenance. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Types of Lilacs:
- Common Lilac (French Lilac): Known for its fragrant spring flowers in white, purple, pink, or mixed colors. Typically larger and more fragrant.
- Re-blooming Hybrids: Newer varieties that bloom more than once in a season, though they may be less fragrant and smaller.
- Tree Lilac: A tree rather than a shrub, it blooms with cream-colored flowers in midsummer and requires less pruning.
2. Where to Plant Lilacs:
- Ideal location is in full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours per day).
- Lilacs prefer slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil.
3. When to Plant Lilacs:
- Late fall before the ground freezes is optimal.
- Early spring after the ground thaws is the next best time.
4. Soil Preparation:
- Lilacs thrive in slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil.
- A soil test is recommended before planting.
- Use a soil mixture like Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs to enhance nutrient content.
5. Planting Process:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the plant's root ball.
- Use Miracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting Tablet for a strong start.
- Maintain proper soil level and firm packing.
- Mulch to retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.
6. Watering Lilacs:
- Regular watering, especially during the initial months after planting.
- Adjust watering frequency based on soil moisture.
- Established lilacs need less frequent watering.
7. Feeding Lilacs:
- Feed with Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food after spring blooming.
- Rich in nutrients like kelp, earthworm castings, feather meal, and bone meal.
8. Disease Prevention:
- Powdery mildew is a common issue.
- Opt for powdery mildew-resistant lilac varieties.
- Ensure adequate air circulation around plants.
9. Deadheading Lilacs:
- Remove faded flowers at the base to encourage new flower bud formation.
- Promotes energy redirection for the following spring.
10. Pruning Lilacs:
- Adjust pruning based on lilac variety.
- Techniques include rejuvenation pruning and selective branch removal.
In summary, the art of growing lilacs involves thoughtful selection, meticulous planting, and attentive care. Following these guidelines will surely result in a thriving lilac garden that brings joy with each fragrant bloom. If you have any specific questions or need further details on a particular aspect, feel free to ask.
