Whether in brilliant white, soft pink or violet, lilac is one of the most popular flowering shrubs in the garden. What should be considered when planting and when is the right time?

In a nutshell

  • 30 different species of lilac are known
  • widespread in Europe and Asia
  • popular source of nectar for butterflies
  • best planting time for bare-root goods in autumn
  • Container goods can be planted all year round

Lilacs in the garden

Not old-fashioned! Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) have long been high on the popularity list again. No wonder, after all, it convinces with its abundance of flowers and enchanting fragrance. Many new breeds are offered that fit both in the cottage garden and in modern gardens.

Recommended varieties are

  • Chinese lilac (Syringa chinensis)
  • Autumn lilac (Syringa microphylla)
  • Cutleaf lilac (Syringa laciniata)
  • Hungarian lilac (Syringa josikaea)
  • Dwarf lilac (Syringa meyeri)
Dwarf lilac (Syringa meyeri)

plant lilacs

Autumn is the best time to plant lilac bushes. Suitable locations for the flowering shrub are:

  • sunny
  • not too wet
  • calcareous
  • permeable

Notice: Keep in mind that lilacs can grow up to seven meters tall, depending on the variety. Therefore, choose pretty dwarf lilac varieties for the allotment garden. These reach a growth height of two meters and are ideal for smaller properties.

Plant bare-root lilacs

Usually bare-root lilacs are planted. This is cheaper than container goods. The best time to plant is between October and March.

Manual:

  1. Place the shrub in a container of water an hour before planting.
  2. Dig a planting hole. It should be about twice the size of the root ball.
  3. Cut back the root tips and shorten the shoots above the bud base. Use sharp, clean scissors.
  4. Mix the excavation with compost soil.
  5. Place shards of pottery or gravel in the planting hole for drainage.
  6. Plant the shrub. Make sure that the grafting point is above the surface of the earth. It must never be covered with soil.
  7. Fill in the planting hole with the soil mix.
  8. Water the lilac well.

Plant container goods

Container goods do not need to be pruned before planting. It can therefore be planted all year round.

Manual:

  1. Take the wood out of the container. Place in a bowl of water until no more air bubbles rise.
  2. Dig a planting hole. It should be about twice the size of the root ball.
  3. Mix the excavation with compost soil.
  4. Place shards of pottery or gravel in the planting hole for drainage.
  5. Plant the lilac bush just as deep as it was in the container before.
  6. Fill in the planting hole with the soil mix and tamp down the area around the root.
  7. Water the lilac well.

Transplant lilacs

Usually lilac bushes stay in one place. If it is still necessary to transplant lilacs, choose a date in the fall. Extensive pruning is carried out before transplanting. Depending on the age, the roots have already reached a considerable extent. Dig up the wood generously. Then put it in its new location with a drainage made of potsherds or gravel. Water the lilacs extensively after transplanting.

Notice: Dwarf lilac species are ideal for pot culture. Fill the jar with shards of pottery or gravel as a drainage layer. This prevents waterlogging, one of the greatest dangers for the flowering shrub.

frequently asked Questions

What should be considered when caring for lilacs?

Lilac bushes are very easy to care for once established. They don't need to be watered or fertilized. They even tolerate dry summers well. Supply the flowering shrubs with some compost in the spring, then the blooming splendor is secured.

Are there also lilac varieties that are suitable for shady places?

Lilac is a sun worshiper. In shady places, the flowering splendor is less.

Why is it that the lilacs are not blooming at the new location?

Occasionally lilacs may not flower after being planted or transplanted. Give him some time. The flowering shrub usually recovers after one to two years.

Do summer lilacs have the same planting times as ordinary lilacs?

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and summer lilac (Buddleja davidii) are not related to each other. Butterfly bushes are usually offered as container goods. It can be planted all year round. Its location requirements are similar to those of the lilac. It also prefers a sunny, dry location in the garden.

Category:

Garden plants