A: How should a lilac bush be cared for? Brown patches are now visible on the leaves. Email from Stacey Ferguson
A number of leaf spot diseases can damage lilacs, although they don’t appear to be lethal if the plant is maintained in good health. Lilacs can flourish in North Georgia, however they’re not as prevalent as they are in the North and the Midwest. Planting a kind that can withstand warm winters seems to be the key. With “Dark Knight” and “White Angel,” I’ve had good success. Visit bit.ly/GAlilac for more of my thoughts and a list of recommended varietals.
A: Before planting anything on my new property, I want to make the soil as healthy as possible. Is using mycorrhizal fungus beneficial? My goal is to revive the local microbiota. Barnesville, Jeffrey Brown
A: Mycorrhizae are beneficial soil fungi that supply plant roots with water and nutrients. Regarding mycorrhizae’s capacity to enhance growing circumstances in various contexts, the evidence is highly conflicting. Mycorrhizae, according to soil scientists, might be helpful with some barren soils but would be ineffective in most others. The ideal natural biome would likely result from shredding nearby leaves and using them as mulch or a tilled-in soil supplement. Ask your new neighbors if any nearby farms contain animal waste that you could also till in.
A branch crotch on my neighbor’s tree is filled with water. So that the water can drain, should she drill a hole? Judy B.
A drainage hole is not a good idea, according to tree specialists. Without assistance from humans, the tree is able to “wall off” the moist region by itself. Simply by drilling a drain hole, rot fungus get a good entrance into the trunk. My recommendation is to ignore it, but be vigilant for any mosquitoes that might be breeding in the water. A “mosquito doughnut” can be used to deter them.
A: During a severe downpour when they were away from town, our neighbor’s big oak tree toppled over and was uprooted. How frequently does a seemingly healthy huge tree topple over? Lawrenceville resident Sue Baum
The adage “well-anchored trees rarely topple over” is true. As they expand, trees detect when and where to form anchor roots. In order to anchor the tree and allow it to grow tall and withstand wind and water loads, these structural roots bond to the earth. However, negligent road, sidewalk, or plumbing line installation can seriously harm anchor roots. When the anchor roots are gone, the tree is on borrowed time because anchor roots hardly ever regenerate, even though the tree may appear healthy if its feeder roots are active. A qualified arborist should be contacted if any type of trenching is done inside a tree’s drip line to assess plans and recommend strategies that minimize harm to anchor roots.
Are there lilacs in South Georgia?
Anyone from the northern states who isn’t allergic certainly doesn’t miss the fragrant blooms in the spring because the South isn’t the Lilac shrub’s typical climate. Lilacs smell amazing in the spring when they are in bloom and are stunning to look at. But the southern states are excluded from this wonderful smell and sight. Do lilacs grow in the South? Yes! However, it is not as simple as some options.
Zones:
The majority of lilac types can withstand cold temperatures in zones 3 to 8, although others, like Scentara Double Blue, can (S. hyacinthiflora). There are some cultivars that don’t require a winter chill, like as “Lavender Lady” (S. vulgaris), which is heat tolerant to zone 9. The majority of others do need a wintertime period of cold and dormancy.
Height/Spread:
The common lilac, Syringa vulgaris, reaches heights of 12 to 15 feet and widths of 10 to 12 feet. The majority of dwarf types are smaller and reach maturity at 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 7 feet broad. Syringa reticulata, often known as the Japanese tree lilac, grows up to 30 feet tall.
Bloom Time:
The majority bloom in late May, however there are new re-blooming kinds, such the Bloomerang series, as well as early spring, mid-spring, and late-season blooming variants.
Color:
The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) has gray to gray-brown bark, purple blooms, and dark gray-green to blue-green foliage (with no fall color change). But there are actually seven recognized hues for lilac flowers: white, violet, blue, lavender, pink, magenta, and purple, with several variations of each hue.
Other:
True lilacs, such as the California, mountain, and wild lilacs, are truly members of the genus Ceanothus. Butterfly bushes are frequently referred to as summer lilacs, especially sterile and non-invasive varieties.
Best places for lilac bushes to grow
When the lilacs begin to blossom, it is a solid indicator that spring has arrived for good. While many people only have a limited knowledge of common lilac (also known as French lilac) shrubs that can reach a height of 15 feet or more, there are now a lot more options available than there were fifty years ago. Some varieties that rebloom enhance the garden’s appeal the entire growing season.
How to Choose Lilacs
The common lilac is what you will most likely find when you go plant shopping. This traditional plant comes in a variety of cultivars and variations, each of which yields fragrant spring flowers in pink, purple, white, or even combinations of those hues. Common lilacs are typically the most fragrant variety of lilac and can grow to be rangy and large.
Rebloomers have arrived in the garden center thanks to recent introductions of hybrids between the common lilac and other shrub-type lilacs. Some of these more recent types are a little less fragrant, but they also tend to be smaller, bloom more frequently throughout the growing season, and have fewer powdery mildew issues.
The tree lilac is another common variety of lilac. It can grow to a height of around 20 feet and blooms with cream-colored flowers in the middle of the summer. Though it doesn’t require much trimming, keep in mind that the tree lilac is a tree, not a shrub.
Where to Plant Lilacs
Lilacs should be planted in full light (at least 6 to 8 hours per day), as too much shadow will prevent them from blooming. Lilacs also like slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soil.
When to Plant Lilacs
Before the ground freezes in the late fall is the ideal time to plant lilacs. After the earth thaws in the early spring, that is the next ideal period to plant. Lilacs will likely need to be planted as soon as you can locate them at the garden center, which is great; if you choose to do so during a warmer season, they might require additional watering.
How to Prepare the Soil for Planting Lilacs
A soil test should be performed prior to planting since lilacs thrive in slightly alkaline (6.5 to 7.0 pH), moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Lime must be added to raise the pH if it is below 5.5. It’s time to get the soil ready when you’ve obtained the ideal pH. Improve individual planting holes by mixing Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs in a 50:50 ratio with the natural soil to give lilacs a nutrient-rich start. Iron and phosphorus are also present in this garden soil to promote root development and ward off leaf fading.
Where shouldn’t lilac bushes be planted?
Avoid planting lilacs in areas that will receive more than a half-worth day’s of shade because they thrive in full sun. Make sure to give them room to expand when you plant them. To find out the mature plant’s height and spread, read the label on the plant.
Lilacs require sufficient drainage to thrive. The soil should have just enough moisture to support the root system while still allowing for free drainage after heavy rains.
Dig a hole that is about 8 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep to test the drainage before planting. Add water to the hole. Choose a different location if the water hasn’t drained after an hour.
Lilacs can be found in Zone 7?
Lilacs are the ideal cold-weather shrubs, necessitating over 2,000 chill hours below 45°F for them to bloom.
I never would have thought to compare it to an olive tree because of its love of cold weather.
However, perennial, deciduous lilacs belong to the Oleaceae branch of the olive family. Although most lilacs grow in Zones 3–7, some can survive in Zone 2. Other cultivars that were developed expressly for warmer climates thrive in Zones 8 and 9—and in some areas of Zone 10 as well.
The genus Syringa consists of twelve species, and if you’re just getting started, our guide to growing lilacs will teach you everything you need to know about how to grow each one in your yard.
The genus was given its name by Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The Greek word “syrinx,” which meaning pipe or tube, is where the word “syringa” originates. It alludes to Syrinx, a mythical nymph who transformed into hollow reeds to flee the lusty advances of the god Pan.
Syrinx provided us with terminology for hollow objects like syringes and the sturdy yet hollow branches of lilac plants.
Lilacs are distinguished by their panicles of purple, pink, or white flowers as well as their heart-shaped, deep green foliage on some cultivars. The common lilac, S. vulgaris, is the species that is grown most frequently in the United States.
Numerous of the lilacs listed below are S. vulgaris varieties and are referred to as “French hybrids” or “French lilacs.” They are not interbred with other species because they are intraspecific crosses.
Thanks to Victor Lemoine and his wife Marie’s work in the 1870s, many of these originated in France. Between 1876 and 1953, the family introduced more than 200 cultivars thanks to their son and grandson, who carried on the family’s lilac breeding tradition.
Despite the fact that many were and still are grown in the United States and other European nations, the term “French hybrid” has persisted.
Some varieties are double-flowered for an extra-full, lush look with as many as 12 petals on a single flower, whereas French hybrids may be single flowered with four petals on each bloom.
The majority of French hybrids mature at a height of four to twenty feet. While some grow compactly and uprightly, others have a propensity to spread.
Reblooming refers to the ability of some plants to flower in the spring and then display new color in the late summer.
Additionally, Victor Lemoine crossed S. vulgaris with the Chinese lilac, S. oblata, to create what are known as S. x hyacinthiflora lilacs. These early-blooming variants have delicate hyacinth-like flowers.
Between 1912 and 1946, Isabella Preston, a well-known Canadian plant breeder, created 82 different hybrid lilac varieties. These are also known as S. x prestoniae, or Preston lilacs.
Other typical species are:
- S. reticulata, often known as the Japanese tree lilac, is a fragrant tree that can reach heights of up to 30 feet and a spread of 20 feet.
- S. meyeri, also known as S. pubescens, is a type of Korean lilac that only reaches a height of seven feet and a spread of five feet.
- The fragrant Persian S. persica is a four to eight foot tall plant with a spread of five to ten feet and is indigenous to Iran.
- S. emodi, often known as Himalayan lilac, has an upright growth habit, can grow up to 16 feet tall with a 13-foot spread, and has an unpleasant odor.
They are all exquisite in their own right, and the majority of them emit some of the most seductive aromas.
Lilacs can they withstand heat?
Syringa x laciniata (Cutleaf Lilac), a deciduous shrub with an elegant, rounded form and loose panicles of fragrant, soft lavender-violet flowers in late spring, is renowned for its heat tolerance and resistance to mildew. They develop into long, gorgeous flowering wands after being born along the willowy, arched branchlets. The lacy, deeply cut, dark green leaves have an airy, finely textured foliage that is just as attractive. It is resistant to mildew, appealing all summer long, and turns yellow-green in the fall. The most heat-tolerant lilac is the cutleaf kind. Perfect for regions with scorching summers and warmer temperatures. A magnificent lilac deserving of a spot in the landscape.
What distinguishes a lilac bush from a lilac tree?
Lilac bushes (also known as shrubs) are characterized by their numerous woody stems that emerge from the plant’s base. In contrast, the trunk of the majority of lilac trees is the only woody stem. However, your neighborhood garden center might also sell shrub lilacs that have been grafted onto a single stem to give them the appearance of miniature trees.
The choice between a lilac tree and a lilac bush is typically determined by the amount of space available. Lilac bushes come in a range of sizes and can be placed in more compact areas of a garden. A lilac tree requires space to reach heights of 20 feet and widths of 15 feet. Both require sunlight to bloom well.
Do lilacs require a cold climate?
One of the most well-liked scented multiblooming shrubs is the common purple lilac (Syringa vulgaris). In USDA growth zones 3 through 7, this plant flourishes. Lilacs are sturdy plants, so maintaining them is not very difficult. Although they can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius), they may require some protection from harsh gusts that can harm the flower buds.
Lilacs require chilly winters to help set the blossoms for the next season. There isn’t much upkeep required while the shrub is dormant throughout the colder months. Dehydration brought on by frozen soils and arid winter winds is the biggest issue for lilacs during the winter. The roots are less likely to be harmed by freezing water when the soil is well-draining.
Do lilacs make dogs sick?
Lilacs don’t have any poisonous or irritating substances that could harm people or animals. Even though chewing on lilac stems, leaves, and flowers has no health risks to dogs, it is still a good idea to prevent this from happening. A pet’s digestive tract may become disturbed if they consume too much roughage. Additionally, twigs and leaves might get caught in their throats. Additionally, dogs’ inability to digest large amounts of plant matter can result in nausea or diarrhea. The Persian lilac (Melia azedarach), which is not related to actual lilacs, is deadly to dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Is it simple to grow lilacs?
Did you know that the National Gardening Bureau has designated 2022 as the “Year of the Lilac”? They have a sweet, eerie aroma and are among the easiest shrubs for your landscaping to maintain that bloom in the spring. Find out how to plant, nurture, and prune your lilacs.
About Lilacs
Syringa vulgaris, or common lilac, is prized for its tenacity, dependability, and scent. Lilacs are so hardy that they can live for more than 100 years and frequently outlive the houses they were planted near.
This tiny, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub (or tree) has approximately ten canes and blooms at eye level. The height of a common lilac can range from 8 to 12 feet, depending on the cultivar. The aromatic flowers attract butterflies and make good cuttings.
There are lilac types that come in white, cream, and even pink and yellow, though the blooms are typically lilac/purple in hue (ranging from very pale to extremely dark). Flowers can be solitary or double in number.
Lilacs bloom in northern states from mid- to late spring for around two weeks. However, there are lilac varieties for early, mid, and late seasons that, when cultivated together, guarantee a consistent bloom for at least six weeks.
Lilacs do best in soil that is fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, and neutral to alkaline (at a pH near 7.0). Add compost to your soil to improve it if it is in bad condition. (Learn more about adding amendments to the soil and getting it ready for planting.) Lilacs don’t enjoy having their feet wet and won’t blossom if they are kept too moist, so make sure the planting area drains well.
Lilacs should be planted in full sun, which is defined as having at least six hours of sunlight each day, for the finest blooms.
How to Plant Lilacs
- If you’re fortunate, a friend may offer you a sucker, or offshoot, of the plant’s root system. The sucker will first appear pitiful, but all you need to do is dig a hole, fill it with soil, and then insert the sucker. water next, and then wait. You’ll be rewarded with enormous, fragrant blossoms in 4 or 5 years.
- Lilacs purchased from nurseries can also be planted easily. If the plant was cultivated in a container, spread its roots out as you plant it; if it was balled or burlapped, gently remove the covering and any rope before doing so. Set the plant 2 to 3 inches deeper than it was while it was growing in the nursery and cover the roots with topsoil. in water Then add more topsoil to the hole to finish it.
- Depending on the kind, place multiple lilac bushes 5 to 15 feet apart.
- Apply a layer of compost under the plant each spring, followed by a layer of mulch to keep moisture in and weeds under control.
- If the weekly rainfall is less than 1 inch, water during the summer.
- If lilacs receive too much fertilizer, they won’t bloom. In the late winter, they can manage a few 10-10-10, but no more.
- Spread some lime and thoroughly composted manure around the base of your lilac bush once it has finished blooming. Remove suckers while you form the shrub by trimming it.
Pruning Lilacs
- Since lilacs blossom on old wood, it’s important to prune in the spring immediately following their bloom. You risk removing the wood if you prune later in the summer. A word of advice: It’s time to prune if your lilac flower clusters are getting smaller!
- After bloom each year, cut away any dead wood. Remove the oldest canes by pruning (down to the ground). Take out the tiny suckers. Reduce weak branches until a robust shoot remains. Reduce tall canes to eye level.
- Remove one-third of the oldest canes (down to the ground) in year one, half of the remaining old wood in year two, and the remainder in year three if your lilac is very old and in poor condition. Cutting the entire plant back to a height of approximately 6 or 8 inches is another option for elderly lilacs. Although it sounds dramatic, lilacs are remarkably resilient. This option’s drawback is that it takes some time for the hair to grow back. The lilac will grow back bursting with blooms, so there will be less work and more reward.
- It is important to understand that extreme trimming causes bloom loss for one to three years. For these reasons, a smart pruning program gives the bushes yearly attention in an effort to avoid making dramatic and severe cuts.
The Syringa vulgaris kind of lilacs is the most widely grown and fragrant:
- Try the double magneta variety “Charles Joly” for an early bloom.
- Lilacs in the middle of the season include “Monge,” a deep reddish purple, and “Firmament,” a delicate blue.
- Miss Canada, a reddish pink, and Donald Wyman, a solitary purple, are two late-season beauties.
Syringa x hyacinthiflora, an early-flowering lilac cultivar, opens 7 to 19 days before those of the common lilac. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to its fragrant blossoms.
The cutleaf lilac, a fragrant pale lavender, is one of the common lilacs that may flourish as far south as Zone 9. Common lilacs appreciate cold weather. The beautiful shrub Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ has light lilac-blue flowers that eventually become white.
There are tiny kinds for gardeners who simply don’t have the space for the conventional larger lilacs, particularly those in urban settings. Even in a container on your balcony or patio, they will grow.
- ‘Baby Kim’ has a lovely rounded shape, only grows 2 to 3 feet high (and 3 feet wide), and has purple flowers that draw butterflies. Hardiness from Zones 3 to 8 extended.
- Compact lilac ‘Little Lady’ (Syringa x) has dark pink buds that open to lilac-pink flowers and grows to be 4 to 5 feet tall and wide at maturity. Zones 2 to 7 are tough.
- Syringa vulgaris cultivars “New Age Lavender” and “New Age White” were developed for mildew resistance and are quite compact, growing from 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to their fragrant blossoms. Zone 4 hardy.