Growing Lilacs

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Lilac Plants - Syringa Blue

Lilacs are known to have a short blooming period, but their scent lasts longer and stronger than most roses do. Lilacs thrived in sunny weather and a slight 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.

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

Lilacs should be fertilized during early spring and again with an all-purpose fertilizer as soon after flowering. Although most lilacs tend to survive during the dry spell, 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 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 several 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 up to 30 feet.