Commonlilac bushes(Syringa vulgaris)are deciduous shrubs native to Europe that can grow as bushes or trees.
TheSyringagenus includes 12 species of flowering woody plants in the olive family.
These are all known as lilacs.
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While the blooms only last a few weeks, they will appear again next year.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Lilac Care
Once theyre established, lilacs dont require much maintenance.
Adhering to a few important needs will enable them to thrive.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Lilacs will tolerate some shade, but too little light can limit their bloom.
They do not do well in full shade.
Soil
Lilac bushes prefer rich,loamy soilwith sharp drainage and a neutral soil pH.
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They can tolerate clay soil, though it might stunt their growth.
Compost can be added in the spring to balance soil that is low in nutrients.
Water
Lilacs like a moderate amount of soil moisture.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
But soggy soil can lead to root rot and poor blooming.
Water young lilacs regularly to keep the soil lightly moist.
Mature plants typically will only need watering during periods of drought.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Temperature and Humidity
Lilac bushes prefer climates that have fairly cool summers.
They are not recommended for hot, humid areas, such as the Southern United States.
High humidity can lead to fungal diseases on the plant.
Fertilizer
Lilac bushes can benefit from a spring feeding, especially if you have poor soil.
However, don’t use a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen, which can lead to poor blooming.
Instead, use abalanced fertilizer, following label instructions.
Over-pruning may result in the bush’s failure to bloom.
Also, prune any weak or damaged branches.
Pruning Tip
Looking for the best bypass pruners for your lilac bush?
But the best and simplest method to propagate lilacs is by offshoots.
To propagate lilacs from offshoots, adhere to these instructions.
However, they are susceptible to a few.
Powdery mildew is a fungusthat affects lilacs resulting in white patches on their foliage.
Use natural remedies or chemical fungicides to address the problem.
Common pests that can affect lilacs and damage their foliage include scales and borers.
The conical clusters of tiny four-lobed flowers have anexceptionally sweet fragrance.
Deadheading, or removing the spent blooms, isn’t necessary.
To enjoy a longer blooming period, consider planting multiple lilac varieties that flower at different times.
A lack of sunlight is often the reason for poor flowering on a lilac.
Watch your lilac for a full day to verify it isnt in the shade for any prolonged stretch.
Lightly moist soil also encourages a stronger bloom.
Mulch around the shrub can help to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds that might compete with the lilac.
Common Problems With Lilacs
Lilac shrubs are typically not problem plants in the garden.
But they can encounter a few common issues.
Poor Flowering
If your lilac’s rate of flowering has decreased, do arejuvenation pruning.
Remove a third of the oldest branches immediately after the blooming period.
In the next growing season, remove half of the remaining old branches after flowering.
In the next year, remove any remaining old branches.
New branches that flower more vigorously will replace them in a few years.
Too much fertilizer and sun exposure can also damage the foliage.
The best remedy is to correct the plant’s environmental conditions.
Also, promptly remove infected foliage to prevent the disease from spreading.
Plant your lilac bush in full sun for more fragrant flowers.
Too much shade and you may not get any blooms.
Lilac bushes tend to spread through offshoots that grow from the base of the plant.
Sever it from the main plant and replant it in a new location.
This will keep the bush from unwanted spread and also create a new plant to care for.
To be on the safe side, plant the bush at least 12 feet from the house.
How to recognize, treat and avoid lilac bacterial blight.
