Easy Methods for Growing Common Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris) in Your Own Backyard
The common lilac, also called French lilac or simply lilac, is a member of the olive family and is closely related to ash trees, jasmine shrubs, forsythia bushes, and privets. This attractive plant is easy to maintain and has a delightful fragrance that has been cherished since ancient times. Originally from the Balkan Peninsula, lilacs made their way to northern Europe in the 1500s and were later brought to North America in the 1700s. The state of New Hampshire even adopted it as its official flower.
Taking care of common lilacs involves regular pruning and fertilization. These plants are perfect for landscaping, including borders and hedges, and they come in various colors. Common lilacs need at least six hours of full sunlight each day and prefer loamy, slightly moist, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with good drainage. They can withstand occasional drought but benefit from additional watering during hot, dry periods. They prefer moderate to cool temperatures in the summer and can tolerate freezing temperatures in the winter. However, they are not well-suited to high humidity or the hot temperatures found in the southern United States.
When propagating lilacs, they readily spread through suckers. To propagate, carefully dig around a new shoot and cut it from the main plant, ensuring the roots remain intact. Replant the shoot in a new location and keep it well-watered until it establishes itself. If you want to prevent the lilac from spreading, remove any suckers to keep it under control. Before applying any fertilizer to your common lilacs, test the soil and only add nutrients if necessary. Excessive nitrogen can harm the plant.
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Pruning is crucial for maintaining the health, size, and shape of common lilacs. It also promotes proper air circulation, which can help prevent certain diseases. Common lilacs come in different sizes and shapes, ranging from 12 to 16 feet in height and 8 to 12 feet in width. They typically bloom for three to four weeks in late spring, although the exact blooming period may vary depending on the variety. Pruning should be done after the blooming period to allow the plant sufficient time to grow and develop buds. It is advisable to prune about a third of the shrub each growing season, removing any dead or diseased wood, spent flowers, and stems thicker than two inches in diameter. Lilacs can be susceptible to pests and diseases such as aphids, mealybugs, oystershell scales, powdery mildew, bacterial blight, and verticillium wilt. To prevent these issues, it is important to provide optimal growing conditions and regularly inspect the plant for any problems. With hundreds of available varieties, common lilacs can be a wonderful addition to any landscape, offering a range of colors from light pink to deep violet.
Lilacs are a popular choice for both standalone plants and privacy screens. They are versatile enough to be used as hedges, and dwarf lilacs are particularly suitable for small gardens or container planting. Lilacs also attract various pollinators, including bees, birds, and butterflies, to your garden.
For an extended blooming period, it is recommended to plant different lilac varieties that bloom at different times of the year. This ensures that you can enjoy the beautiful blossoms for up to six weeks throughout the spring season. Many gardeners prefer planting lilacs near areas where they can fully appreciate their sweet fragrance, such as windows, patios, or pathways.
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