Hints and Tips for Growing Lilacs

Lilacs are known to have a short blooming period, but their scent lasts longer and stronger than most roses do. Lilacs thrive in sunny weather and a light acid to alkaline soil. They may take from two to three years to settle in your garden, but when they do, lilacs are here to stay for good as they are known for having a very long lifespan.

To make sure that your lilacs bloom well and full, carry out regular pruning on the flowering stem down to a few leaves is recommended. This is to prevent the forming of seeds and will direct the energy for seeds to the following year’s flower production. In effect with regular maintenance, good blossoming years are assured for years to come.

Lilacs should be fertilized during early spring and again with an all-purpose fertilizer very soon after flowering. Although most lilacs tend to survive during any dry spells, a source for the constant replenishment of water should always be around.

Advanced pruning is also needed to keep the plant in shape. About one-third of the stems that are old at ground level should be removed each year consecutively for three years. This will encourage a ‘rejuvenated’ growth of new stems from the base that will eventually produce more blossoms by the third year end.

Do take note of the insect pests that can invade and cause serious damage to your lilacs. Also, lilacs are mostly prone to leaf diseases during the late summer season and early fall.

It is recommended for lilacs to be planted in variety to extend their presence during the blooming period. To date, there are over 1,000 varieties of lilacs in huge range of colors and sizes. Most notably, well known lilacs come in lilac and purple, although the white and pink varieties are just as popular. Lilacs that vary in sizes can be from small varieties that grow 4-8 foot whereas larger ones may reach a height of up to 30 feet.

Click the image to order this variety
Lilac Plants – Syringa Blue

There is always a huge choice available on eBay, here’s a selection: