Lilac Bush Care

November 17, 2024 Post a Comment

Lilac bush care

Lilacs should be pruned yearly to develop a good framework of stems and promote vigorous growth that enhances flowering. Yearly pruning consists of cutting diseased, misshapen, and unproductive stems to the ground.

Where is the best place to plant a lilac shrub?

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.

How do you keep a lilac bush healthy?

Plant lilacs in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Feed lilacs in spring with Miracle-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.

Is there a difference between a lilac tree and a lilac bush?

The difference comes down to the amount and placement of stems. Lilac bushes (AKA shrubs) are defined in the typical manner, with multiple woody stems coming up from the base of the plant. In contrast, most lilac trees have one single woody stem: the trunk.

What happens if you don't prune lilacs?

But almost any lilac that has not been pruned for two years or more is likely to have several trunks, some older than others, and a brood of basal shoots ("suckers") around its base. And as it blooms on branch tips, we might find most flowers up high, out of optimal sniffing range.

How do you winterize a lilac bush?

To help prevent winter heave (exposure of roots due to the ground freezing and thawing), cover the base of the plant with 3 to 4 inches of mulch. During late winter or early spring, if a harsh freeze comes along, you may need to cover your shrub to protect the new buds. You can use a blanket, plastic tent, or burlap.

What is the best month to plant lilacs?

The best time to plant lilacs is in the fall after the leaves have dropped, but before the ground freezes. You can plant lilacs in the spring before the buds start to unfold. Spring periods are very short, however, and transplanting at this time is recommended only in areas where winters are very severe.

Are coffee grounds good for lilacs?

Fertilizing lilacs with a high phosphorus formula in early spring promotes blooming. Grass clippings and coffee grounds can be used as a good source of nitrogen. Use sparingly, as too much nitrogen in the soil will result in poor blooms.

Should you plant lilac bushes next to House?

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.

Should I cut dead branches off lilac bush?

There are several techniques involved in pruning a lilac bush: Get rid of dead, broken or diseased stems first, as well as any weaker branches. In addition, cut branches to prevent rubbing or crossing. Remove old stems that are thicker than two inches.

What does an overwatered lilac bush look like?

Too much water can result in wilted, pale, or yellowing leaves. Established shrubs can tolerate short periods of drought like conditions without damage. Longer periods of dry conditions can cause the leaves and the stems of the lilac to wilt.

What helps lilac bushes grow?

To thrive, lilacs need good drainage. Soil should retain sufficient moisture to nourish the root system yet drain freely when rainfall is abundant. To test drainage before planting, dig a hole that is about 8 inches in diameter by 12 inches deep. Fill the hole with water.

What color lilac is most fragrant?

The lilac usually considered the most fragrant is a Chinese native—S. pubescens. It has small, white flowers tinged with purple.

What is the lifespan of a lilac bush?

Lilacs are relatively long-lived plants (25 years to 50+ years) depending on how they have been cared for and their growing conditions.

Is July too late to prune lilacs?

This annual pruning should take place during spring (May or June in the northern hemisphere, around September to November in the southern hemisphere). Such pruning will encourage the development of new buds, which will continue maturing over the year before they bloom the following spring.

How far can you cut back a lilac bush?

How far you can cut back a lilac bush follows the general shrub pruning rule: Cut no more than a third of the stems each year, starting with the oldest. 2 That will help the plant remain constantly vital, with new stems developing as old stems bloom.

Can lilacs be cut back to the ground?

Young lilacs can be lightly pruned to keep them in shape, within bounds, and producing abundant flowers. Older plants may require a hard pruning almost to the ground to rejuvenate the plant and produce more flowers.

Should I remove spent lilac blooms be cut off?

Trimming off lilac flowers Removing the dead flowers from your lilac bush will encourage more blooms the following year. The important thing when trimming off your flowers is that you simply cut off the spent flowers—don't worry about any surrounding stems.

Should I wrap my lilac bush for winter?

Lilac Care in Winter In rare cases, you may need to cover the plant to protect the buds. This occurs in late winter to early spring when buds are beginning to break, and a harsh freeze comes along. Use a blanket, canvas, or even plastic tent over the bush to help protect the buds form the cold.

Can you put mulch around lilac bushes?

A mulch of wood chips or bark 3” thick will protect the plants in the winter and retain soil moisture in the summer. Mulch retards the growth or weeds and grass but still allows the lilac plant to sprout.