From Paul Pilon
This brand-new intergeneric hybrid is a hardy plant that will undoubtedly succeed with consumers.
What could improve a fantastic perennial? Combine it with a different superb perennial. With stachys “Lilac Falls,” breeders did exactly that. ‘Lilac Falls’ is a brand-new intergeneric hybrid cross between stachys and lamium even though it is classified as a stachys.
This new perennial possesses all the qualities necessary to guarantee consumer success. It is praised for being hardy, enduring the extremes of heat, humidity, and cold, and for being simple to grow and maintain.
“Lilac Falls” is a vibrant, protracted-blooming groundcover in the landscape. It works well as a cascading plant in combination pots and makes a superb component or solitary plant in hanging baskets for garden centers. From the beginning of spring to the end of autumn, it blooms continually and provides a profusion of lovely lilac purple flowers.
Stachys ‘Lilac Falls’ may be cultivated anywhere from full sun to moderate shade and is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5. It stretches 20–36 inches across and grows 8–12 inches tall. Lilac Falls is a perennial that perennial growers, landscapers, and gardeners will undoubtedly fall in love with because to its flower power and prolonged bloom time.
The patented plant Stachys ‘Lilac Falls’ is propagated vegetatively by authorized propagators; unlicensed propagation is not permitted. When they adhere to a few rules, authorized propagators can successfully propagate “Lilac Falls.”
The cuttings should be inserted into stabilized growing material or moistened media. Stachys often root readily without the aid of rooting agents, albeit improving the uniformity of rooting by spraying them with 500 ppm IBA after sticking. During the first several days of proliferation, the cuttings need a moderate quantity of misting. Keep the soil at 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit while the roots are growing.
Reduce the mist supply a little bit after the first several days. Fertilizers can be administered constantly with a mist of water containing 50 to 60 ppm nitrogen or every five to seven days with an irrigation that contains 100 to 120 ppm nitrogen.
As the roots start to form, gradually cut back on the mist delivery; normally, misting can be stopped totally 10 to 14 days after sticking. One to two weeks after the misting has been stopped, pinching the cuttings is advised to encourage branching. The liners need four to five weeks after sticking before they are fully rooted and prepared for transplanting.
Due to its characteristic of cascading, “Lilac Falls” cannot be produced in conventional trade containers. Alternatively, “Lilac Falls” can be planted straight into big containers or baskets or cultivated in intermediate container sizes, such as 4- to 5-inch pots, which can be utilized for transplanting into larger containers or baskets. When growing them in tiny container sizes, growers typically transplant one liner per pot, or several liners into baskets or big containers, such as three liners per 10-inch basket.
Stachys prefers to be cultivated in a growth medium with good drainage. They don’t withstand excessively dry growing circumstances and need a moderate quantity of irrigation. They also shouldn’t be allowed to dry out too much. When irrigation is required, fully water the plants and then wait a short while before watering again.
Because of its excellent branching habit, “Lilac Falls” might not need to be pinched. One to two weeks after planting, the plants can be pinched if the liners were not already pinched or if further branching is required.
It requires a moderate level of fertility. Water-soluble fertilizers can be used to supply nutrients by supplying 150 ppm of nitrogen + micronutrients with each irrigation or 250 ppm of nitrogen when necessary. By adding the equivalent of 0.9 to 1.1 pounds of elemental nitrogen per cubic yard of growth medium to the growing mix before to planting or topdressing at the medium labeled rate, fertility can also be given using controlled release fertilizers. Maintain a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 in the growing mix for the duration of the production cycle. It is advantageous to add extra iron to enhance the color of the foliage.
High light levels produce the optimum growth characteristics, whilst low light levels cause stem elongation and legginess. Plants that are grown outdoors with natural light intensities have the best quality. It is not essential to employ plant growth regulators because of its cascading behavior.
On Stachys ‘Lilac Falls,’ just a few pests and diseases have been noted. The three most frequent insect pests are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Root rot pathogens can occasionally be seen by growers, especially during periods of drought stress or protracted periods of excessive wet weather. In general, none of these diseases or insects require the use of preventative management techniques. Regular crop monitoring can help identify these issues, and where appropriate, control measures can be taken.
Stachys ‘Lilac Falls’ flowering plants are simple to grow. I am not aware of any studies into the precise conditions for blossoming. However, producers have discovered that ‘Lilac Falls’ does not appear to be a long-day beneficial plant and that no vernalization is necessary for flowering.
The majority of the time, growers raise it as a perennial that blooms in its first year and sell it at the same time. It will take roughly five to six weeks for 1-quart pots to be finished when they are cultivated with 24-hour average temperatures of 65-68 F. Ten weeks should be given for 10-inch baskets.
Do lilacs reappear each year?
The majority of lilac shrubs bloom each year, but poor trimming can prevent flowers from appearing the following year. When it comes to properly pruning lilac shrubs, time is crucial because the buds for the bush’s blooms the following year are formed quickly after the bush has completed blooming.
After the new buds have formed, pruning your lilacs may result in few or no blooms the following season. It can take several years before you see any flowers if you prune your lilac bushes too aggressively. The best course of action is to deadhead faded flowers and, if required, prune your lilacs immediately following the blooming period.
Can lilacs endure the winter?
The common lilac, Syringa vulgaris, is a resilient shrub that can tolerate chilly winter weather. If the roots are left above ground without protection, winter damage may result. It is recommended to avoid bringing your lilac plant inside for the winter if it is grown in a container. Lilacs require the cold to form their blossom buds for the next spring. The plant will emerge prematurely from dormancy at room temperature.
There are a few techniques to guarantee winter survival. The lilac should be stored in an unheated garage or shed for the winter after the container shrub has gone dormant in the fall. Make sure to keep an eye on the moisture level to make sure the plant doesn’t dry out. Another choice is to bury the pot or cover it entirely with mulch. This keeps the roots from freezing while still providing the lilac’s tops with the chill they require to bloom. For growing regions where the winters are extremely cold, we advise utilizing resin plastic, cement, metal, or wooden planters.
Are lilacs only in bloom once a year?
Compared to other lilac trees, bloomerang lilac trees are more compact, reaching a short height of 4-6 feet tall and a spread of 4-6 feet, giving them a pleasing, rounded appearance. Their long, arched branches bear their veined leaves, which are bright green for the majority of the year until turning yellow in the fall.
The characteristic 4-petaled, 4-6 inch deep lilac-purple blooms on bloomerang lilac trees appear starting in May, cease blooming in June, and then return in July through the first frost of the year.
Specifications
With tall, arched branches, a compact and rounded shape, and rich green foliage that turn golden in the fall. Four spread petals, 4-6 inch, lilac-purple flowers that bloom in the spring and later in the summer.
How long does a lilac bush live?
Lilacs are renowned for their longevity and hardiness.
Numerous lilac shrubs reach ages of greater than 100. They frequently outlive the residence of the gardener who planted them due to their extended lifespan. As a result, if you’re driving along a country road and come across a few what appear to be random lilac bushes, it was probably a farm or house a century ago.
Try growing lilacs in your garden if you haven’t already. They not only return every year, but they also put on a display for the senses with vibrant blossoms and enticing scents. Lilacs have a lot to offer, and learning about their history demonstrates just how unique these plants are.
Where should a lilac bush be planted?
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 prefer moist, well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline.
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.
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.
Should lilacs be shielded from frost?
One of the decorative plants that can survive the harshest winters is the lilac. Are lilacs protected from the cold? They can tolerate -40°F (-40°C) weather, however they may require some protection from freezing gusts that can harm the flower buds. To stop freezing water from harming their roots and destroying the tree, they need soil that drains efficiently. Lilacs that haven’t been grafted to a rootstock are more resilient than those that have.
Good siting and a healthy plant are the foundation of lilac winter maintenance. The plant requires alkaline to neutral soil and at least eight hours of direct sunlight. Avoid placing them next to a light-colored building or wall while planting them since the reflection could result in winter burn.
Darker structures can actually afford lilac winter protection, and they create a stunning front-of-house display. However, don’t plant them too close to the foundation because their roots may eventually cause problems. Remove the dead flower heads to encourage the bud-forming process. Lilac shrub winterization is not as labor-intensive as it is for sensitive plants.
Do lilacs thrive in containers?
Lilacs grown in small containers require a lot of room for their roots. They thrive when their roots can spread out and grow into larger plants. We advise using a container that is at least 12 inches deep and 24 inches broad, whichever is larger. Greater root protection from harsh heat or cold results with larger containers. Additionally, it guarantees that the roots won’t be frozen or subjected to extreme heat. The lilac requires less frequent watering as the pot size increases. Black containers should be avoided because they can cause the lilac to become overheated.
Lilacs do they remain green all year?
Lilacs have the ability to survive some very harsh winters intact and provide joy to many people in the spring since they are exceptionally cold-resistant. They are tall, upright shrubs with heart-shaped green leaves and large, pointy clusters of fragrant lavender flowers. There are many varieties with white flowers. The maximum size of a plant is 15 feet tall and 12 feet broad.
Lilacs can thrive in little shade, but full sun is preferable for them. They favor well-drained, neutral soils. Every now and then, remove undesirable suckers and old trunks.
Uses: After their mid-spring bloom, lilacs are good accent plants but lack any unique characteristics. They can also be grown in a row to create a loose, colorful hedge.
Want more information? Try these:
- Garden shrubs. With these adaptable shrubs, you can define your space and highlight your favorite plants. They are arranged according to type and season.
- evergreen bushes Since they are evergreen, as their name implies, these plants may add color to many winter gardens, especially those in northern latitudes.
- varieties of shrubs In your yard, shrubs may help draw lines and define boundaries while also offering solitude and security. Review all of your options for shrubs here.