Where do lilac bushes grow best?
Most lilacs require a chilling period to bloom well, so are grown primarily from Zone 7 north. They are very hardy, withstanding temperatures as cold as 40 below zero, so can be grown in Zone 2. They are best in Zones 3, 4, and 5, and are actually grown in almost every state, even California. Fertilize in spring with a general-purpose organic or conventional fertilizer, and thin overhead tree branches to ensure plenty of sunlight — a key factor for healthy lilac blooms. To keep lilacs looking their best, prune, fertilize and shape them almost every year — soon after they finish blooming in late spring.The shrub needs the cold temperatures to help set the buds for next spring’s flowers. If your winters are harsh, protect your lilac from the winter cold either by burying it in the ground, heavily mulching around the pot, or storing your container shrub in a cold garage or shed.If you put off pruning until later in the season, you risk removing the developing buds. This is equally true for lilacs such as Bloomerang Purple that bloom twice a year. By pruning the bush after its initial bloom, you encourage new growth and more flowers in its second bloom in early fall.Lilacs readily spread through suckers. Here’s how to propagate them: Dig around a new shoot and cut it from the main plant, taking care not to damage its roots. Replant it in a new location and keep it well-watered until its roots take hold.Lilac flowers last for about two weeks once they bloom. However, the plants themselves are quite long-lived, with some lilac shrubs living for over 100 years. Regular pruning helps extend the lifespan and improve the health of these plants.
What are the downsides of lilac bushes?
Lilacs can become bare-bottomed or leggy with age and often look bedraggled after a hot summer with leaf infections. Planting shorter shrubs or perennials in front of them can distract from this eyesore and provide more seasonal interest. Lilacs are prone to powdery mildew and other diseases. These lilac trees can grow in Zones 3–7 and do very well in cooler climates. They need six hours of direct sunlight, and you’ll have to water them about every 10 days. Bloomerang lilac trees bloom two times per year, once in the spring and then rebloom in the summer through the first frost.Be sure to plant lilacs in early spring before the flowers open or in late summer to fall. Though they are hardy, lilacs still need ample water, especially after transplanting.Lilacs grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Lilacs grown in partial sun or shade will not flower well. The shrubs may take three to four years to establish themselves in a new site, but once established they can live for centuries. Soil pH (alkalinity or acidity of the soil) may affect the plant’s growth.Tree lilacs (Syringa reticulata) are wonderful disease- and pest-resistant plants which can grow up to 20 feet tall. They have creamy-white flowers that appear in late June.Once established, lilacs are fairly drought tolerant and require minimal care. Plant them in a place where you can enjoy the fragrant spring blossoms.
How many years does it take for a lilac bush to bloom?
Some blooming may begin in years 2 and 3. Be patient and continue to care for your lilac. Plants are not receiving enough sunlight. Make sure your lilac has 6 or more hours of full sun per day. Lastly, Lilac plants do not like acidic soil. Epsom salts during the dormant period to help promote blooming.Lilacs also like slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil. 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.Lilacs do not grow well when planted in acidic soils with rhododendrons, azaleas, blueberries, and many conifer evergreens. Lilacs cannot access all the micronutrients they need in alkaline soils, limiting their growth and overall health over time.Bloomerang Lilacs are outstanding reblooming lilacs that have stunning bloom clusters in spring and then again from midsummer until the first frost. These flowers are lovely and fragrant. The plants grow in a naturally rounded habit and stay under 6 feet tall.
Are lilac bushes hard to grow?
Lilacs aren’t too demanding, but timing is crucial for success. The ideal windows for planting are early fall or spring. These seasons offer mild temperatures that allow roots to establish before the stress of harsh weather sets in. In early fall, the soil remains warm enough for roots to grow before winter dormancy. 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. The best time to plant lilacs is in late fall before the ground freezes.It’s better to prune lilac bushes in the late spring, not the fall. By pruning in the fall, you cut off the majority of new buds, which is a common reason why lilacs don’t bloom in the spring. If you need to renovate your shrub, late winter to early spring is a better time to do this.An overwatered Common lilac can start to have leaves that turn yellow, drop off and wilt. The plant can also look dull and unhealthy, with signs of mushy stems. When they are beginning to show these signs, it’s best to adjust your schedule whenever possible.Lilacs thrive when watered regularly after first planting, during heavy growth periods (spring time), and extended dry spells. Once established, lilacs are fairly drought tolerant. Watering your lilac plant is recommended once every 10 to 14 days from from spring until blooming ends.
Where not to plant lilacs?
Though lilacs are very cold tolerant, they do not do well in hot areas. Even if the plant itself survives, it will bloom little if at all, because the plant needs exposure to cold temperatures, called “chilling,” in order to develop its flower buds. Are lilacs evergreen? Lilacs are deciduous shrubs, losing their leaves in fall.Light. Lilacs will flower best in full sun, so avoid planting them where they will be shaded for more than half a day.
Do lilacs lose their leaves in winter?
Yes, lilacs are deciduous shrubs so will flower every year in early summer. In autumn, lilacs lose their leaves and will produce new foliage the following spring. Lilac attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The nectar of the flowers is food for long-tongued bees, butterflies, and possibly moths. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage.Plant your lilac bush in full sun for more fragrant flowers. Too much shade and you may not get any blooms. Does a lilac bush spread? Lilac bushes tend to spread through offshoots that grow from the base of the plant.Lilac attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The nectar of the flowers is food for long-tongued bees, butterflies, and possibly moths. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage.
How often should lilacs be watered?
When you have a young lilac, make sure to water it weekly in the summer months. Once it is matured and the roots are established, it will rarely need watering, unless there is extreme heat or drought. Make sure the roots don’t sit in water or soggy soil because that can lead to rotting and other diseases. Lilac roots aren’t considered invasive and as long as you leave enough space between the tree, or shrub, and the structure, there is little risk from planting lilacs near foundations. Lilac roots generally spread one and one-half times the width of the shrub.