How to Plant and Care for Lilacs Shrubs
Are you looking for an easy to grow shrub?
When you think of spring flowering shrubs, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Your first thought may have been the lilac bush.
Lilacs are a beautiful and easy to grow shrub that are a welcomed addition to any landscape. They are known for their beautiful flowers and aroma that you can smell throughout your entire yard.
The name lilac is said to have derived from the Persian word that means bluish according the Friends of the Farm. Lilacs are not native to North America and are reported to have derived from Europe and Asia. There are over 20 different types of lilacs.
According to The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, “lilacs are known as plants for colder climates.” The plant needs a “period of cold-imitated dormancy to trigger” spring flowering.
Although you can successfully plant a lilac shrub in the spring, you might have more luck in the fall. Below are four tips on how to grow beautiful lilac bushes in your yard.
Where to Plant
- Pick a spot in your yard that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight.
- The spot needs to have good drainage. Lilacs won’t bloom well if they are smothered in water.
- The soil should be an alkaline rich soil at a pH closer to 7.0
How to Plant
- According to HGTV.com, dig a hole that is a little deeper than the pot the lilac bush came in.
- Spread out the lilac bushes roots then place the bush in the hole.
- Fill the hole in with dirt.
- Layer the top of the soil with compost.
- Install Root Stick aeration tubes around the perimeter of the plant. This will enable oxygen, water and nutrients to encourage deep root growth and to enhance the overall health of the plant.
- Water the Root Stick only in the beginning. Once the shrub is established you can let nature and the Root Stick take over.
How to Care
- As long as your lilac bush gets a 1 inch of water during the summer, you won’t need to water it. If you have a drought or less than an inch, pour water down the Root Starter Sticks.
- After your lilac bush blooms add some limes and well-rotten manure around the base.
Pruning Lilacs Bushes
- You will want to prune the lilac bushes right after they bloom in the spring when the flowers fade. It is important to prune right away because the plant will start to develop flower buds for the next season almost immediately. In addition, early pruning will allow new shoots more energy to develop.
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends to remove any dead wood and to prune the oldest canes all the way down to the ground. Make sure to cut back any weak branches to the strong shoot.
Summary
Lilacs are the perfect flowering spring shrub. The fresh fragrance of the beautiful flowers are a welcome sign that summer is on the way.
How are you getting ready for this spring? Let us know in the comment section below.
